Terry Waite helps raise LOTS of cash at charity auction near Bedford

The former hostage, who was held in captivity for almost five years in Lebanon, was guest auctioneer at a Christmas-theme evening which raised more than £2,400.

The event, held and organised by Emmaus Village Carlton, raised money for BOLD, a Bedfordshire charity which provides life and work experience to adults with a learning disability and challenging behaviours.

And Mr Waite, president of Emmaus UK, took on the role of guest auctioneer very seriously, making sure a variety of auction lots - including theatre tickets, restaurant meals, family days out and luxury luggage - all went under the hammer.

“I first visited Emmaus Village Carlton many years ago and it’s so good to be able to see it flourishing," said Mr Waite CBE. "It was an honour to be invited to try out my skills as an auctioneer for such a valuable cause.”

The evening also offered guests the chance to meet Mr Waite, win prizes in a Christmas raffle and enjoy a show by the Voices of Emmaus Community Choir, which includes formerly homeless people now being supported by the charity.

Emmaus Village Carlton chief community officer, Angela Foll, said: “The evening was a huge success. Mr Waite proved extremely popular with our guests, providing a humorous twist to the charity auction.”

Fundraiser Pauline Stepney from BOLD said: “The event surpassed my expectations. The response was overwhelming and meeting Terry Waite was an absolute bonus.”

Emmaus Village Carlton supports 42 formerly homeless people by giving them accommodation, meaningful work experience in a social enterprise, funded training and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem. Funds are raised through their Home Store charity shop and bistro, with people donating unwanted items for resale.

And Emmaus isn't the only local connection to Mr Waite. While in captivity, Joy Brodier, from Brickhill, sent him a postcard showing John Bunyan, the 17th century author of Pilgrim's Progress who spent more than 12 years in prison for his early English Baptist beliefs.

Amazingly, the postcard got through to Mr Waite while he was incarcerated.

To find out more about Emmaus Village Carlton visit here; to discover more about BOLD visit here