An auction of unwanted bicycles at the UEA has raised �8,700 for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Paul Riches of Bracon Ash Garage organised the event for the third year running after restoring 120 bicycles and auctioning them off.

Mr Riches has now raised almost �23,000 for the charity through a variety of fundraising projects and thanked all those who helped, including inmates from Wayland prison who worked on the bikes and UEA security leader Nick Excell

However, he appealed to other people to help him keep the event running in the future as he set a new target of �50,000.

Mr Riches said: 'Putting on an auction like this is a huge pressure and I simply can't go on without support from other people. Collecting bikes is a difficulty, as I spend many hours travelling miles and miles to pick them up. Help with collections or even designated sites where people can drop bikes off would be a great help.'

He added: 'I want to encourage the donation of bikes in good working order which are no longer needed or wanted, and it would be great if experienced bike mechanics could offer their services too.'

The auction saw all 120 bicycles sold off, with a hand pedal cycle for people with disabilities among the lots.

Claire LeLievre, EACH Norfolk fundraiser, said: 'We're delighted that Paul held the bike auction again for EACH, and would like to thank him, and the UEA for their support. We never expected the auction would raise so much money- vital funds which will go a long way to supporting local life-threatened children and their families.

'We really would urge anyone who can help to collect bikes or offer their mechanic skills to get in touch and help secure the future of this event.'

East Anglia's Children's Hospices offers support for terminally ill children and their families at three centres in East Anglia.

•If you are can help with the future of the auction or have a bike, which can be repaired and refurbished, contact Mr Riches on 01508 570642.