AN on-line charity auction to raise money to send young performers from Sawbridgeworth-based theatre group YouthCreate on a two-week exchange programme to Hawaii has so far raised over £1,000.

The youngsters will spend three days in Los Angeles before heading to the tiny island state to stay with exchange partners from the Children's Theatre of Hawaii in July.

The children will perform Romeo and Juliet and take part in workshop sessions with their Hawaiian counterparts.

Bids are still being accepted for sale items including signed photos of actors Ewan McGregor and Sean Bean, a signed copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, theatre tickets, a framed photo and signed CD by Pop Idol Darius Danesh, and a trip to Florida.

For more information, visit http://www.youthcreate.co.

uk, or ring 01279 721219.