“UNLOVED antiques” are needed for an auction to boost the coffers of the Daily Echo-backed Sparkle Appeal.

Teddy Lucas-Rowe, 17, is making a call for collectable but unwanted items to raise funds for the Victoria School in Branksome , where his 16-year-old brother, Hugo, is a pupil.

Sparkle Appeal fundraisers hope to raise £750,000 by next March to replace the school’s ageing hydrotherapy pool, and to build a new therapy centre.

Teddy, a pupil at Sherborne School in North Dorset, said his appeal had been inspired by Hugo’s “dramatic” improvement since joining Victoria School in 1999. “My brother has improved so dramatically at Victoria, and when I heard about the Sparkle Appeal for much needed hydrotherapy facilities, I really wanted to be part of it,” he said.

Teddy has won the backing of 10 friends who will each try to collect antiques for auction at the prestigious school’s BSR hall later this year.

The friends have offered to go “50-50” with donors who still value their antiques – taking a half-share of the proceeds raised at auction.

Donors will be invited to the school on the day before the auction for a drinks reception hosted by the Sparkle Appeal’s patron – the Earl of Shaftesbury, Nicholas Ashley-Cooper.

Russell Lucas-Rowe, the boys’ father, said Hugo – who suffers from a physical condition affecting his nerves – had been transformed since joining the Victoria School 11 years ago.

“There was a time in Hugo’s life when we didn’t know if he would walk or talk. The doctors described his condition as a mystery.

“But joining the Victoria School has acted as a catalyst. Hugo loves sport, and has won all sorts of awards at inter-school championships,” said Russell.

Sherborne auctioneers, Charterhouse, will conduct the sale in the autumn.

To donate, email rlr@lros.co.uk or call 07796 305611.