Pick up a Penguin in Liverpool charity auction. (Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats)

Garston and Halewood Liberal Democrats <info@garstonld.org.uk>

Pick up a Penguin in Liverpool charity auction.

January 13, 2010 12:00 AM

After the huge success of Go Penguins, Merseyside's newest and most-loved art sensations will take a starring role at a charity auction at St George's Hall on Thursday, 4 February.

It will be an unmissable opportunity for devoted penguin fans to pick up their very own beautiful piece of penguin art created by many of the North West's leading artists.

Approximately 67 Penguins will go under the hammer, with money raised giving the Liverpool Lord Mayor's Charity Appeal (including Cash For Kids and Alder Hey Imagine Appeal) WWF, Liverpool Unites and ME Research UK a significant boost to help them continue their invaluable work.

Councillor Mike Storey, Liverpool's Lord Mayor, said: ''Go Penguins has spread an immense amount of joy across the region over Christmas and New Year and although it's sad to see them finally leave our streets, they're not leaving forever. We will have our memories, photographs and stories and in February they'll be returning to raise money for some extremely worthwhile charities which will spread even more joy to countless people. For me I'm hugely indebted to Wild In Art for their generosity and hope Liverpool people display their legendary generosity at the auction and make it a night to remember.''

Sally-Ann Wilkinson of Wild in Art added: "It's been a fantastic seven weeks, but now the penguins have to find new homes - they're truly beautiful works of art and I know anyone lucky enough to pick one up at the auction will enjoy them for many years to come."

The auction will take place in the auspicious surrounding of St George's Hall with tickets priced at £20, including drinks reception. There will also be an opportunity to enter a raffle draw with prizes including a £500 M&S voucher and a coveted mini penguin.

Property auctioneers Sutton Kersh are taking up the gavel to make sure events run smoothly. James Kersh, Director at Sutton Kersh comments: "We are delighted at being given the opportunity to auction off the Penguins. I am sure the auction room will be buzzing and provide a fantastic finale to the event that we hope will hugely benefit the worthy charities involved."

But for those who can't make the auction on the night, bids can be accepted via phone and absentee bidding to make sure no one has to miss out on their perfect penguin.

The Go Penguins event has been a huge success, with thousands of people braving the wintry weather to visit the trail which wound its way all over Liverpool City Centre, as well as the smaller colonies on the Wirral and St Helens.