READERS have a chance today to bid by phone for a once-in-a-lifetime treat in a special auction being organised by The Press for the City of York Afghanistan Commemorative Appeal.

People have the chance to bid for a variety of different treats which money cannot normally buy, including a VIP visit to Bootham Crescent for the match against Accrington Stanley on April 12, when the successful bidder will meet the players and manager prior to the game.

Other treats include a chance to ride on the footplate of steam train travelling across the North York Moors, prepare and ride on a heritage loco at the National Railway Museum, travel in a chauffeur driven limousine to the Mansion House for a tour and afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor and ring the noontime bell at York Minster before a full guided tour.

Some people may have been struggling to email their bids to afghanappealauction@thepress.co.uk, so, for today, they can ring in with their bids or raise any queries by calling Mike Laycock on 01904 567132.