Burnley pensioner comes out of 'retirement' at 85 to host fundraiser for animal charities she is devoted to

Audrey Bates will hold a two day sale and tombola at the Woodman Inn, Todmorden Road, Burnley, this Saturday and Sunday.

There will be fancy goods on sale along with gifts for Mother's Day and all the proceeds will be donated to the animal charities Audrey has supported for many years.

Audrey, who is now 85, has raised more than £32,000 for 18 animal charities at home and abroad for the last three decades. Well wishers regularly donate items for her sales and she also knits soft toys to sell.

She announced in 2019 that her last sale would be in November but made a return for a special Christmas fund raiser. Now, three months later she is back doing what she loves.

Audrey said: "I have slowed down on my events but I have to do something to help my charities, especially considering the recent fires in Australia where so many have been injured and killed.

"There will be lots of fancy goods and gifts to buy this weekend, it will be a really good sale so I hope people will come along and support me."

Entry to the two day event is free and the sale runs from noon to 3-30pm on both days.