RARE Beatrix Potter items have made almost £4,000 for a popular south Cumbrian charity.

A 1929 handwritten letter, a first edition of The Fairy Caravan and a signed and dedicated copy of The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse were auctioned by a mystery seller.

The items, which sold on Monday, made a total of £3,720 for Jo's Appeal, which was set up in honour of popular Evening Mail journalist Jo Davies.

Speaking on behalf of 1818 Auctioneers who sold the items, Bill Nelson said: "It was a great auction, we had a good day and saw a lot of bids.

"We had about 60 people in the room and it was a good turnout."

The signed letter, which explained why Potter did not want to publish The Fairy Caravan, sold for £1,500 to a buyer in Milnthorpe. The first edition of the book sold for £720 to a Windermere-based buyer.

The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse went for £1,500 to a buyer outside of the region.

Emma Dewhurst, of 1818 Auctioneers, added: "The whole thing with Jo's Appeal is her legacy which lives on regardless.

"She still has a presence and an impact."