A RARE signed Paul McCartney picture is to be sold in a silent auction to raise funds for a terminally-ill Bacup youngster.

Campaign patron Ted Robbins, star of TV's Phoenix Nights, called on his former Beatles cousin to help six-year-old Jack Heath, who has incurable Hunters Syndrome.

The picture, authenticated by auction house Christie's, is being auctioned at Oscars Fine Art, in Bank Street, Rawtenstall, and also at its Haslingden store.

Proprietor Chris Bridgewater said: "We are more than happy to help out because Jack is a little sweetie.

"I don't know how his mum copes, yet she's always so cheerful. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the bids will reach the undisclosed reserve price as it's such a fantastic picture - if I had the money I'd bid for it myself."

The people of Rossendale have rallied round to support the Jack Heath non-charitable trust, and have so far collected more than £18,000.

The money is being used to buy equipment for Holy Trinity Primary School pupil Jack, and also help his family move into a specially-adapted home after plans to adapt their Peel Drive property proved unfeasible.

Mum Elizabeth said: "Ted Robbins was supposed to be coming to a fundraising night in November but, at the last minute, had to go to an awards ceremony because he had been nominated.

"As an 'I'm sorry' gesture he phoned his cousin and asked him if he would sign a photo, which he no longer does, and to our amazement he agreed."

The auction will close at 5pm on Wednesday, December 7.