A gold disc signed by Radiohead is one of the items going under the hammer at a money-spinning charity auction organised by Oxford police.

The Oxfordshire band, who met while at Abingdon School, are childhood school friends with one of the officers at St Aldate's police station and have donated the coveted piece of memorabilia to be auctioned off at a ball on September 5.

The event will raise funds for the Samaritans -- a charity close to the heart of Radiohead drummer Phil Selway, who is a regular volunteer worker for the Oxford Samaritans and has run the London Marathon on behalf of the charity.

Also set to benefit from the ball, at Rover Social Club, Roman Way, Cowley, is Whizz Kidz, a charity which provides electric wheelchairs, tricycles and buggies for disabled children.

Insp Sarah Price is hoping to raise £3,000 through donations, events and ball tickets to fund a sponsored Everest trek in aid of Whizz Kidz.

She said: "The provision of wheelchairs, tricycles and buggies allows the children greater freedom to be with their friends, and independence from their parent or carer."

Entertainment lined up at the ball includes ABBA Arrival, The Detroit Runners, and a comedian.

Other prizes being given away include a month's free membership and beauty products from the Esporta Health Club in north Oxford and a pair of football boots offered by Oxford United player Chris Hackett.

The football club has donated two VIP tickets to the Oxford v Mansfield game on Saturday, September 13, and holidays in Cornwall, the Isle of White and Hayling Island are also up for grabs.

Tickets cost £10. E-mail david.eustice@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or call Lucy Ferguson on 01865 266310.