Staff at Anglia Ruskin University raised almost £1,000 after they organised a unique auction with crafts, art and other home-made items by talented employees, friends and family being sold off to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The auction, which was organised by Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft International Business School (LAIBS) and linked between Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses via video, raised £960, bringing the total raised for the charity to £1,366 so far.

Items up for grabs included handmade ‘world map’ bunting, a vintage toddler’s play tent, decoupage decorated bottles and handmade bags and jewellery.

The highest bid was for £80 for a bespoke drawing of a pet, or alternative subject of the bidder’s choosing.

The auction was held to complement money being raised by staff in the forthcoming Chariots of Fire race in Cambridge on Sunday September 17.

Organiser Catherine Foottit, Manager of the Deans Office for LAIBS, said: “The auction was great fun but it was also eye-opening to see just how many of our staff have talents outside of the workplace as well as within it.

“The business school has undertaken various charitable initiatives over the years and it is a good way for our students and staff to put their organisational skills and innovation to the test.”

Professor Gary Packham, Dean of LAIBS, said: “All of this endeavour clearly demonstrates that business at Anglia Ruskin University is more than just about organisations and profitability, but also about making a wider contribution to our society and the communities it serves.”