26/06/2009

Issued By: Nunnington Hall

Regular visitors to Nunnington Hall near Helmsley in North Yorkshire know that Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a regular visitor to the property. Gen 11, the original car from the classic 1968 movie, comes to Nunnington each summer for fans of the movie to see and enjoy. Some visitors can even win a ride around Nunnington village in Chitty in the prize draw that is run each day. This year however there is a further opportunity to experience the magic of Chitty as the National Trust will be hosting an eBay auction to win a ride for up to three people around the village.

The Hall is running their first fund raising auction, the proceeds of which will help support Nunnington Hall. The auction's winner will receive

• Free admission to Nunnington Hall on Saturday 11th July or Sunday 12th July 2009 for up to 3 people
• A ride around Nunnington village in Chitty (approx 10-15 mins) for up to 3 people on either Saturday 11th July or Sunday 12th July 2009
• A free lunch in the Hall's tearooms

Property Manager Simon Lee says, "We are really excited about this auction. There aren't many people that get to experience what it's like to travel in this iconic car. We will still be running prize draws to win a ride on each day but felt an auction was another way that somebody could guarantee themselves the opportunity and not leave it open to chance. It should be a memorable day for the lucky bidder."

The story of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was written by the James Bond writer, Ian Fleming for his son Caspar. It was first published in 1964 and later made into the classic film musical in 1968, now so popular with generations of children and adults alike. Telling the story of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts, played by Dick Van Dyke, and his family, the film has captivated cinema and more recently stage audiences for almost four decades and is one of the most successful musicals of all time. The film spawned some of the most memorable tunes in cinema including "Hushaby Mountain", Truly Scrumptious", "Toot Sweets" and the signature tune "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" itself.

Chitty will be at Nunnington on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July. Normal opening times and admission charges apply.

The auction will run on eBay for 10 days from Friday 26th June to Sunday 5th July. To view the auction visit http://www.ebay.co.uk/ and search for item number  280363535535

For information on opening times and admission charges please call the Hall on 01439 748283 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

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