AN AUTHOR is offering fans the chance to feature in her next book to raise money for charity.

Brighton writer Elly Griffiths is taking part in the Get In Character in aid of children's cancer charity CLIC Sargeant. The online auction will raise funds to support children who have cancer, and their families.

The creator of the internationally known Ruth Galloway crime series is one of 60 writers taking part including Emma Donoghue, the author of Room, Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train and thriller writer Simon Kernick.

Elly’s new book, provisionally entitled The Chalk Pit, sees archaeologist Ruth look into a series of disappearances of homeless people in Norwich, exploring a network of mining tunnels under the city and discovering an ancient secret and a terrifyingly modern killer.

She said: "The work of CLIC Sargent is very close to my heart as a teenage family friend is currently having treatment for cancer. I know she has received lots of support from CLIC Sargent and I’m happy to be able to do this small thing to raise awareness for the wonderful work of the charity.”

Clare Cox, of CLIC Sargent, said: “We have a fantastic array of authors taking part in this year’s auction, ranging from romance, to children’s books, to hard-boiled thrillers.

“We are hugely grateful for the support of these authors, who are giving their fans a fantastic opportunity to become part of one of their stories while also raising vital funds to help CLIC Sargent provide practical, emotional, financial and clinical support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.”

A ten day online auction will launch on February 25 at 8pm. Fans can bid to have a character in the authors' next book named after them. Other prize items include book bundles, critiques from writers and visits to author meet and greet events. All of the proceeds will be donated to CLIC Sargent.

To take part visit clicsargent.org.uk/getincharacter.