Kevin the Carrot, the delightful character who first appeared on television in 2016 as part of the Aldi Christmas advertising campaign, raised an amazing £61 after he, and his family, were auctioned online following a Chamber of Commerce Curry Club event at Ewood Park. The toys had been donated to the Secret Santa appeal where underprivileged children across Blackburn with Darwen are given a sack of seven presents to open on Christmas morning.

Fans of the cuddly toy bid strongly against each other, with avid Secret Santa supporter, Nicole Dawson, placing her bids all the way from Perth in Australia.  

Phil Boulding, founder of Secret Santa said: “The Chamber of Commerce have been supporting Secret Santa since the outset and we’re delighted that those attending the event brought toys to donate to our appeal. When someone suggested we auction Kevin the Carrot, I laughed and simply thought it would generate some positive publicity for our charity. 

“When the bidding started, it was crazy.  I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of interest that followed the initial bid of £5. Within seconds it had reached £30 and shortly after £50 and before many more minutes, long standing Secret Santa supporter Leah Wiggett bid the winning amount of £61.”

Leah said: “I’m over the moon to win this coveted prize. Kevin the Carrot and his family will take pride of place on my Christmas tree.”

Phil added: “We thought Kevin the Carrot had met his end at the beginning of this year’s Christmas advertising campaign when the lorry he was travelling in was hit by an avalanche. All was well however as he and his load appeared in subsequent adverts!”

Debbi Dawson and Darren Grantham from the Chamber of Commerce said: “Phil is doing an amazing job and it is a pleasure to offer him the opportunity to raise the Secret Santa profile to the business leaders of East Lancashire"