A saucy way to raise charity cash; POPPY APPEAL: Ex-servicemen sent soap star's negligee to auction.

Byline: By Steve Evans 

A NEGLIGEE worn on screen by a soap star helped ex-servicemen doing guard duty at Nuneaton's Bramcote Barracks raise more than pounds 1,000 for the Poppy Appeal.

The flimsy item of sleepwear - complete with a certificate of authenticity - was one of the lots in a charity auction to raise funds for the Warwickshire branch of the Royal British Legion.

Retired colour sergeant Pete Page, who helped organise the charity effort, said: "We sent off 57 letters all over the place asking for donations for the auction.

"Coronation Street sent us a negligee worn on screen by Leanne Battersby, with an authentication certificate. It was snapped up by one of my mates for pounds 20.

"Manchester United sent us a pennant which was signed by the management team - and that fetched pounds 50."

Mr Page, who served for more than 20 years with the Royal Green Jackets, now works for Military Provost Guard Services, who are celebrating their 10th anniversary.

The MPGS offers ex-service personnel the opportunity to get back into uniform once they have retired from active duty.

"We provide armed security to military establishments across the country," said Mr Page, who spends four days a week on duty at Bramcote. "We are all experienced personnel and we do things like guard duty, which frees up front-line soldiers."

He said their HQ had "tasked" each MPGS unit throughout Britain's 32 military sites to mark the group's 10th anniversary by raising funds for charity.

"Our auction was held at the Junior Ranks Club at Bramcote Barracks, and we also put up items on-line," said Mr Page. "We managed to raise pounds 1,000 for the Royal British Legion and the regiment at Bramcote added another pounds 200 to the total."

The cash will go towards the Poppy Appeal.

CAPTION(S):

FUND... John Deeming (left) lowers the RBL standard to reveal the pounds 1,200 cheque held by Sgt Dave Groves, Capt Kevin Innes, Bill Brown, L Cpl Pete Page and county field officer Allan Mallett. Above, actress Jane Danson as Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street. Picture: Robin Bidgood RB170507RBL1