A CHARITY auction will take place during the inaugural Purbeck Pirate Festival in Swanage, it has been announced.

The festival and auction are being held to support the Save Swanage Pier Appeal - an initiative launched to raise £900,000 to secure the future of the Victorian structure.

Pier supporters need to raise the money by November, this year, in order to receive the same match-funded amount from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Swanage Pier is in urgent need of repairs - 41 of its piles are in critical condition following years of adverse sea conditions and woodworm.

In 2012 the historic Grade II-listed structure closed for several months after sustaining serious damage during a severe storm.

Swanage Pier chief executive Ben Adeney said: "The pirate festival and charity auction will present an opportunity to take us a step forward in our fundraising and we are very grateful for the amazing pledges so far.

"We are hoping to present some unique opportunities and experiences, and every penny raised will go towards saving the pier.

"If your business would like to get involved, we would be delighted if you would get in touch."

Pledges to the auction so far include family cruise tickets for the paddle steamer PS Waverley, a family day at Compton Acres, golf for four at the Dorset Golf & Country Club, a book and day at 'Sculpture by the Lakes', a Wyke Dorset Cottages' holiday voucher and a White Pepper Cookery School gourmet cookery course.

Purbeck Ice Cream have pledged a tour of their farm, Farmer Palmer's have pledged a family ticket and The Blue Pool is offering a cream tea afternoon.

If you or your business would like to be involved contact Louise Stewart via louise.stewart@swanagepiertrust.com or call 07538 628381.

The Purbeck Pirate Festival takes place in and around Swanage Pier on Saturday, July 30. The charity auction is scheduled for 3pm.