SIR Cliff Richard and Marty Wilde have given a helping hand to the Evening Star Christmas appeal – by autographing two books.The pop star pair have both signed copies of the book of memories of the Ipswich Regent's rock 'n' roll years From Buddy to the Beatles.

SIR Cliff Richard and Marty Wilde have given a helping hand to the Evening Star Christmas appeal – by autographing two books.

The pop star pair have both signed copies of the book of memories of the Ipswich Regent's rock 'n' roll years From Buddy to the Beatles.

And tonight The Evening Star is offering readers the chance to own the autographed copies – by taking part in an auction for them.

The highest bid for each book will secure the prize, with the money going to the Helping Our Children appeal to build and equip a special waiting and treatment room for children at Felixstowe General Hospital's minor injuries unit (MIU).

The aim is to raise up to £18,000 to remove some redundant toilets to create a treatment room able to take a bed, sink and equipment, and provide a waiting area with murals, toys and furniture for children.

The MIU is used by more than 15,000 people every year – and many of them from outside the immediate Felixstowe area.

From Buddy to the Beatles has been written by former Evening Star picture editor David Kindred and BBC Radio Suffolk's Stephen Foster.

It includes photographs, programmes and much more in celebration of the Regent's classic years from the late 1950s onwards.

Among the concerts it remembers are visits by Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Byrds.

"Sir Cliff and Marty Wilde very kindly signed copies of the book for us and as well as the books, there will also be photographs of them doing the signing as authentication," said Mr Kindred.

"We just hope the books will add a bit more money to the appeal fund as it is such a worthy cause, especially as it will be helping children."

To bid for a book, send on a postcard how much you will be willing to pay, stating which book the bid is for – do not send any money at this stage – to Richard Cornwell, Felixstowe editor, Evening Star, 105B Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7BL, by December 22.

Please be sure to include your full name and address, and also phone number.

To donate to the appeal, please send cheques made payable to the Evening Star Christmas Appeal to Geraldine Thompson, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.

Shoppers can also donate via the collecting boxes around the Evening Star Christmas tree on the Cornhill in Ipswich.

Ipswich and Norwich Co-operative Society members can also help by quoting 977 when they pay for their shopping and services at the company's food stores, department stores, pharmacies and optical branches across Suffolk.