Iain Duncan Smith and Charles Kennedy have lost to Tony Blair again - this time in a charity auction.

The autographs of the leaders of the Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties all fetched low prices during the event at the Martlets Hall, Burgess Hill.

A total of £1,600 was raised, thanks to a host of contributions from famous people.

However Mr Duncan Smith's scribble only went for £5, while a town councillor paid £7 for Mr Kennedy's. The Prime Minister's fetched just £13.

The cash will help societies in Burgess Hill who want to build a £1.5 million community centre.

The Friends of Bedelands' community trust project, which represents local residents, has teamed up with Southdown Rovers Football Club and the Nautical Training Corps to raise funds for the project.

Frank Milligan, chairman of Bedelands Residents' Association, wrote to stars asking for gifts for the auction and was sent a mass of goods.

More than 100 people turned up to bid for celebrity items such as a signed Burgess Hill football at £105, a Brighton and Hove Albion shirt at £70 and a signed picture of Elton John at £35.

Mr Milligan said: "We were really pleased with how much was raised but were surprised at how little some items went for.

"I'm not surprised Tony Blair's signature didn't go for much - everyone round here is either Liberal or Conservative.

"The prices showed people are more interested in football than politics."