Mike Burns donates his 2002 Gunn and Moore bat to the Junior Sabres Auction

The first ever Junior Sabres Auction that was launched at the start of November looks like raising a considerable sum of money for the younger members of the club.

Already over £200 in total has been bid for the eight lots that are on offer, and now a late entry has just been received that is bound to attract considerable interest.

This morning when Somerset's new captain Mike Burns heard how the auction was progressing he said that he had an extra item that might be of interest and then disappeared for a while.

When the 2003 skipper returned he had his Gunn and Moore bat in his hand that he then very kindly donated to raise fund for the Junior Sabres.

Mike told me that he used the bat for much of the 2002 season, during which he scored over 1000 championship runs, and played with it in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy Final at Lord's.

Handing it over he said: "This auction is a great idea, and if my bat can help to raise funds for the Junior Sabres then I am delighted to donate it."

Mike Burns bat, which will be signed by him along with a covering letter confirming it's provenance will become Lot number 9 in the auction, and an opening bid of £40 has already been received.

Anybody who is interested in the bat, which is in excellent condition, or any other of the items should e mail their bid to Joanne.Betsworth@Somerset.co.uk

A further update on the best bid received for each lot will be posted on the website next weekend.