SOUTH Ribble Borough Council is to auction a sacred throne which has helped out all Mayors of the borough since 1976 in their most desperate times - a loo seat!

On December 1 1976 HRH Princess Alexandra opened the new civic centre in Leyland and a brand new toilet seat was bought and fitted especially for the occasion, in case she was caught short.

Now the current Mayor Councillor Graham Davies hopes one avid collector will spend more than a penny when the seat goes under the hammer at the Mayor's charity banquet on Friday December 1.

Since its installation 24 years ago the seat has served many mayors when they were caught short, but a much-needed refurbishment meant the purchase of a new one.

The money raised from the sale will be divided between four charities - St Catherine's Hospice, Chorley and South Ribble Shopmobility, Childline and the British Diabetic Association.

Councillor Davies said: "It seemed inappropriate to throw away the seat, especially since it was bought for such a special occasion.

"I have no idea who might bid for it, but perhaps it might interest one of our borough's former mayors."

Here's hoping the seat raises enough to ensure the charities are flush with cash!

Pictured with the seat is John Nickson from St Catherine's Hospice