GRANDMOTHER Marlene Read's 'neck-xt' money-spinning fundraiser will have a real celebrity touch to it.

For she is organising the auction of a cravat worn by Coronation Street busybody Norris Cole.

Marlene, 62, of Chorley, will send the proceeds to Royal Preston Hospital where she was cared for by nursing staff after a serious illness.

She has already raised £200 from a couple of raffles which will go to both Ward 10 of the hospital and to Healey View nursing home, Botany Brow, Chorley, where she spent time convalescing.

A delighted Marlene explained: "I wrote off to Coronation Street asking if they could help in any way towards my fundraising.

"It was just a thought that maybe they could send a little something."

She added: "I was in Ward 10 for nearly six months, last year and this year."

And she described the nursing staff there as "angels of mercy".

"They call me the 'miracle' when I go back. The Queen Mother wouldn't have been treated any better than me.

"I said when I get better I'm going to raise some money for the ward as a thankyou to the staff. And also I'm going to include Healey View because I went there for 14 weeks recuperating and the staff there were angels of mercy, too.

"Coronation Street is one of my favourite programmes and I always try and watch it.

"They also sent me a certificate of authenticity to say the cravat was worn by Norris.

"I think a collector would bid for it, but I'm not sure whether there are any in Chorley."

Norris, played by actor Malcolm Hebden, works in The Kabin and Post Office with Rita in the top soap.

A Granada spokesperson said: "We hope Marlene's auction goes well and wish her all the best."

Anyone wanting to own the cravat should ring The Chorley Citizen Newsdesk on 01257 269313 and make their bid before the end of November. The highest bidder will win the cravat.