A SOLID oak Victorian pew which sat under the Octagon and in the Lady Chapel in Ely Cathedral for more than 100 years is to go up for sale across the internet next weekend. Buyers from around the globe will be given the chance to buy the pew designed by t

A SOLID oak Victorian pew which sat under the Octagon and in the Lady Chapel in Ely Cathedral for more than 100 years is to go up for sale across the internet next weekend.

Buyers from around the globe will be given the chance to buy the pew designed by the famous architect George Gilbert Scott and built in 1847.

It is just one of a number of unusual items being auctioned on Sunday, April 27 to raise money for the cathedral Music Appeal and the arts in East Cambridgeshire.

The auction will take place in the Lady Chapel and will be broadcast worldwide by internet link.

Among other items expected to promote some furious bidding is a bottle of finest champagne, discovered in the Dean's wine cellar.

The Veuve Clicquot Trilennium Reserved Cuvee Vintage Champagne bottled in 1989 was produced to mark the new millennium and would cost around £80 from specialist wine dealers.

For a party with a difference, buyers can bid for a private hire of the Stained Glass Museum for up to 25 guests with optional guided tour.

The museum offers a unique insight into the fascinating story of stained glass and houses the only national British collection.

Ely Cathedral Choristers will give a private recital at Christmas to a successful bidder.

A poster and programme commemorating last year's May Day concert by singer, Aled Jones, signed by the star is also included in the sale.

For film buffs, there is a chance to bid for film cells from The Other Boleyn Girl featuring key scenes from the film which was partly made on location at Ely Cathedral.

And from the vaults of Ely Cinema there is the original UK 35mm original film trailer from the Stephen Spielberg classic ET. There are 1,000s of film cells from the 1982 movie going up for sale.

Ely auctioneer David Palmer, well-known for his performances on popular television programmes Flog It! and Cash in the Attic will be conducting the auction and proceeds will be split equally between the cathedral and ADeC - Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire.

David will also be conducting an auction for Cash in the Attic from the saleroom of Blyth and Co in the Market Place on Saturday.

Live internet links will give buyers from around the globe the opportunity to take part in both auctions.

Cathedral marketing manager, Lesley Ann Thompson said: "We have the opportunity to attract bidders from across the globe to participate in a real time, live auction in the Lady Chapel at Ely Cathedral."

The web link is being set up by the Antiques Trade Gazette and can be found at www.the-saleroom.com

Pic cap: Vintage champagne and an ancient cathedral pew are just two of the unusual items David Palmer will be selling across the internet.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE