A PENISTONE pensioner has raised more than £1m for good causes after 55 years of holding charity auctions.

John Aspin, of Pendon House, was badly burnt in a garden fire last year but is now back on his feet doing what he does best - fund-raising.

The 74-year-old, a regular at the Home Cooking cafe in Springvale, has been praised by staff and friends there as an 'unsung hero' after dedicating more than half a century to organising charity auctions and events.

"I've sold off all sorts in my time, everything from pigs and goats to old cars and Viagra," said John, who wears a trademark 100-year-old bowler hat for the sales.

"It's brilliant to know I've raised over a £1m since I started and the people it's helped like cancer charities, Barnsley and Sheffield hospital, local cricket clubs, brass bands, churches, schools.

"You can't beat that feeling and I'll only stop when I drop."

When John had an accident last year, leaving him with 40 per cent burns to the left side of his body, friends at the cafe decided it was their turn to do something for him.

They teamed up with Crane Moor WMC last Saturday to hold an auction night in his name which raised £1367 for Northern General where John was treated for his burns.

Friend Jill Silverwood, of Sheffield Road, said the former miner and greengrocer is a legend.

"It was a close call with the fire and if someone hadn't been there we might have lost him.

"John is such a popular guy. He does it for the love of wanting to help others. He is a bit shy at coming forward so he's never looked for praise or thanks from anyone which is why we thought it would be great to do something for him."