We've got this charity auction lark in the bag

A RARE Alexander McQueen scarf along with dozens of handbags and accessories have been donated by top designers and celebrities to raise funds at a charity auction.

Organisers of today's event, called Lunch with an Old Bag, are hoping to collect more than 100,000 for the Prince's Trust.

In the company of the likes of Lulu and Carol Smillie, the 500-strong audience will get the chance to buy the designer scarf by the late McQueen, of which there was only eight ever made, plus many other items including a sports bag signed by Andy Murray and a limited Chloe bag worth nearly 3000.

The auction was developed by local restaurateur and hotelier James Thomson, and it is to be held at one of his businesses, Prestonfield House.

Other labels include bags and accessories by top designers including Mulberry, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood and Prada.

Also up for grabs is a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, a Highgrove Gardens tour and a private tennis lesson by Andy Murray's mum, Judy.

A number of local designers have also donated goods to the cause, including local milliner James Faulkner, who makes hats out of roadkill, and jewellery designer Marcus Eagleton

Tessa Hartmann, fashion ambassador for the Prince's Trust, said: "We raised 80,000 last year, so this year we're hoping to go that little bit further and make around 100,000.

"The beauty is that everything in the auction has been donated, so once we make the retail price of the item anything else is a bonus.

"We've got a few really good pieces this year and were especially lucky to get the Alexander McQueen scarf. It's a piece with an image of the Queen's head on it and only around eight were ever made. I don't think one has ever been sold in Scotland.

"The auction should be great fun and I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday afternoon than bidding for a Jimmy Choo, a Lulu Guinness or a Chloe handbag and rest in the knowledge it's for a good cause. Of course, the downside will be if your friend beats you to the post for the exclusive brand new Dior. That would be heartbreaking."

Mr Thomson said: "Last year's event was a huge success and raised vital funds for a very worthy charity. I have seen for myself the changes and progress young people can make in their lives when given the right opportunity and the right support from the Prince's Trust, and it is a cause I am only too happy to support."