A HOST of celebrities have put pen to paper to to raise funds for a Yeadon-based national epilepsy charity.

Ilkley-born TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh is among those taking part in National Doodle Day in aid of Epilepsy Action.

His work will feature alongside dozens more in a ten-day eBay auction starting on National Doodle Day, on Friday, February 6.

The day raises money to help support the 45,000 people across Yorkshire with epilepsy.

This year, for the first time, the public can take part in the event online. Create, upload and share scribbles on the dedicated website nationaldoodleday.org.uk.

Every doodle uploaded will be entered into a competition, with winners chosen in a public vote.

Philippa Cartwright, fundraising manager at Epilepsy Action said: “Every year we’re overwhelmed by support from celebrities and always look forward to seeing the variety and creativity of the doodles they send in.

“The highest-grossing doodle ever, sold for more than £1,600, but each one makes a huge difference to people with epilepsy and their families.”

The eBay auction will run until Sunday, February 15. The closing date for entries is March 20. Voting closes on April 3.

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK alone and 87 people are diagnosed with the condition every day.

Each year Epilepsy Action directly helps over 1.2 million people through a range of services, including its website epilepsy.org.uk, freephone helpline on 0808 800 5050, branch network and specialist nurse scheme.