ANTIQUES Roadshow guru Eric Knowles is to hold his own fundraising day after taking a severely disabled girl to his heart.

Nelson-born Eric, famed for his appearances on the BBC1 programme, will value up to three items for £5 at a special event on Friday, June 18 - with all proceeds going to help brave Eva Heeks.

The event, at Samlesbury Hall, will help Eva, of Guide, who was left blind, deaf and unable to walk, talk, breathe or eat on her own after meningitis left her with hydrocephalus, a condition commonly referred to as water on the brain.

The following day her family has organised a separate fundraising function at Mr Earl's Club, Wigan.

Eva, who is now 20 months old, was just six weeks into her life when she contracted the brain bug.

Her mother and father, Julie and Ray, both 35, of Blackamoor Road, hope to spend the proceeds of the two events on a special extension at their home for Eva and also a special pram and car seat.

They also hope to have enough money for a 'light room', a special room full of fibre optic lights, said to be a huge stimulant for people with the condition, costing around £3,000.

Eric said: "I hope we can raise a lot of money. Every penny we raise will be going to Eva.

"I'm looking forward to valuing anything people want to bring along. I am glad it is happening at Samlesbury Hall because I have been going there for 30 years and it is a great place.

Both of the events have been organised by Pauline Parry, Eva's auntie.

Pauline, who lives in Wigan, said: "We are really pleased because it usually costs £2,500 to hire Samlesbury Hall and usually there is an admission charge, but they agreed to waiver this which I think is really good of them.

"I wrote to around 500 celebrities and we had a reply back from all of them and many have donated money or gifts. Uri Geller donated £1,000, JK Rowling gave us five signed copies of the Harry Potter book and we have had loads of signed football stuff and autographed photos of soap stars. We have had a huge response.

"We want as many people as possible to come and bring things along to the antiques day and Eric is bringing along a sliver and gold jewellery expert too."

The valuation day will take place at the at 14th century hall from 10am to 2.30pm. A coach is also running from Darwen to the fundraiser in Wigan on Saturday, June 19.

To find out more about either fundraising events call Pauline on 01942 708608.