A HULL hospital will receive nearly £15,000, thanks to an auction at the PenDelfin factory in Burnley, which attracted collectors from all over the world.

One keen collector Buyl Raymonola, from Belgium, bought so many items she could not take them all back so the company, which exports to 22 different countries, has agreed to dispatch the other ornaments with the next delivery to Belgium. Managing director Arthur Morley, said: "I would like to thank the staff who came in on a Sunday to work while people went on tours round the studio.

"I am also grateful for the patience of the collectors who had to queue to view the pieces in the auction and and in the shop while we packaged goods. The day went very well, but we were surprised at how many people came along." Denise Higgins, a founder member of the PenDelfin Collectors' Club, died tragically in a road accident and left 48 pieces to the Hull Royal Hospital.

The factory offered to organise an auction and Denise's collection raised £10,080, with £2,650 being paid for a set of book ends, the highest priced lot in the auction.

A tiny lollipop mouse less than 2in high raised £860.

Mr Morley said: "We had 550 adults and numerous children who were allowed in free and the whole day went very well.

"I would like to thank our auctioneer Carol Stinton, who is a magistrate and a member of the Mayoress of Burnley charity committee for professionally running the two and a half hour auction."

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