A FORMER auctioneer from the Selby area has been appointed to a new role with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Malcolm Dowson, who lives in Sherburn-in-Elmet, has joined the YAA as an official volunteer and fundraiser.

Mr Dowson, who also works with York Racecourse, is collecting memorabilia from jockeys and elsewhere to sell and make money for the lifesaving charity.

So far he has received items for sale from Susan Piggott, wife of Lester Piggott, and is in touch with Maureen Haggas, wife of trainer William Haggas, who was York Racecourse's top trainer in 2017.

These items and others will go under the hammer at black-tie and fundraising events, to raise money for the lifesaving charity.

Malcolm said: "Having run a successful auction house for 25 years, which closed following a throat operation which went drastically wrong, I joined the York Raceday staff eight years ago.

"This gives me opportunity to collect racing memorabilia, and I'm thinking of ways which could raise money for the charity."

To donate or find out more about helping with fundraising for the YAA, phone Mr Dowson on 01977 684971.