ORGANISERS of an Almondbury church fundraiser were delighted when top novelist Joanne Harris offered them rare signed copies of her bestsellers to auction off.

The Chocolat writer’s books could make a mint when they go under the hammer, but there’s just one problem – the organisers don’t know what price to pitch them at.

To make sure the church is not shortchanged, fundraiser Andy Roberts is appealing to Examiner readers to help him name a reserve price. The books, both brand-new first editions, are Gentlemen and Players, and The Evil Seed.

The Evil Seed, a reworking of the classic vampire myth, was published in 2002 and was Joanne’s first novel. The book is very rare and is likely to attract a great deal of attention from fans of the Almondbury author’s work.

Andy Roberts, who is organising the auction with his wife Anne and their 11-year-old daughter Rosie, said: “Only 2,000 copies of The Evil Seed were printed and because of this Joanne has suggested we put a reserve on it as they are selling it on ebay for $300 (£150) plus unsigned. “Joanne couldn’t give a value for a signed copy as this is the only copy of this title she has signed. So we have a problem– its a nice problem, but still a problem. That’s why I want to ask Examiner readers to help put a true value on these books, particularly on this unique copy of The Evil Seed.

“Or better still, they can help me sell it for a realistic price – the more we can raise from the sale of this book would greatly increase the funds for the church.”

The author donated her personal copies of the books when she bumped into Mr Roberts and his daughter as they posted flyers advertising the fundraising auction at All Hallows Church.

Joanne has always been keen to help the church with charity fundraisers, and donated signed books including her bestseller Chocolat to past auctions.

Mr Roberts bought a signed copy of Chocolat and another of Joanne’s novels for his wife, who is a big fan of the author. He would love to buy the rarer books to add to her collection, but says he can’t afford it.

Mr Roberts said: “She’s a lovely woman, very down to earth, and has been very kind donating her novels to us, but us not knowing how much they are worth has put a spanner in the works.

“I’ve seen a few prices for first editions of The Evil Seed on the Internet but they vary a great deal, from £160 to £300, and that’s for an unsigned copy– I have no idea how much a signed copy is worth.”

“But it’s important that we have a good idea before the auction, for both the church and Joanne. She has been so kind to donate them, so its our duty to get a good price for them – we would feel like we let her down if we did not realise the books’ true value.”

The books will be the star attraction at the auction which takes place on September 22, starting at 8pm. There will be a preview of the bids from noon-3pm.

Other items up for grabs will include tickets for Huddersfield Giants games and Ripon Races, and the cash raised will go towards general church funding. Anyone wishing to help Mr Roberts put a value on the books, or help him sell them, can contact him on 01484 305868 or 07971518033.