The mayor is set to host a 'Made in Macclesfield' virtual auction with the help of a 'Flog It!' antiques expert in aid of two local causes.

The event will support Cllr Bennett-Wake's chosen charities she will champion during her year as mayor; Cre8 and the Macclesfield Seals.

The fact that face-to-face fundraising can't take place prompted Cllr Bennett-Wake to enlist the help of Hurdsfield based auctioneer Adam Partridge to hold the on-line charity auction.

Adam is one of the UK's best-known antiques and fine art personalities and regularly appears as an expert and auctioneer on television programmes including Flog It!, Bargain Hunt, Dickinson's Real Deal and Cash In the Attic.

Cllr Bennett-Wake said: "I'm thrilled Adam has agreed to help with the auction it's a brilliant way to raise money for the mayor's charities but also a way to raise the profile of the town.

"There is so much innovation and creativity in Macclesfield, and we need to showcase this to the world."

On why she chose her causes the mayor explained that Cre8 has been one of the local charities that have stepped up to the plate during the Covid-19 crisis, organising Fare Share food deliveries throughout Macclesfield.

They also run a variety of community projects to encourage health and wellbeing through music, education and access to green spaces growing plants and vegetables.

The Seals are a Macclesfield swimming group established in 1957 for children and adults with disabilities.

Their motto is 'Disability, not inability' providing a safe, supportive environment for anyone with any disability to swim or just being in the water.

The active group have kept in touch throughout the Covid-19 crisis via social media, supporting each other going and in good spirits.

Organisers are seeking donations of both goods and services 'Made in Macclesfield'. This can take the form of vouchers, offers of time and services or physical objects.

Once enough donations are pledged, they will identify a date for the auction.

If you wish to make a donation to the auction send a photograph and description to [email protected].

Alternatively, you can donate directly to the mayor's charities by clicking here.