A CELEBRITY guest appearance by ‘bionic girl’ Tilly Lockey demonstrated the star appeal of Haslemere Hounds.

Tilly gave the town arts project a big boost by attending a special screening at Haslemere Hall on August 23 of cult sci-fi fantasy film Alita: Battle Angel.

Famously, she was presented with a set of Alita bionic arms, similar to those seen in the film as a high-profile guest at this year’s London premiere by the film director and fan James Cameron, working in collaboration with the production team.

Tilly thrilled Haslemere fans by wearing her Alita arms to Friday’s screening, where she also chatted to film goers and gave a motivational talk.

The event has raised more than £500 to swell the final total raised for Meningitis Now by Tilly’s Hero Hound, which will be raffled on Wednesday, September 25.

An appeal (www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hero-thebionichound) has opened asking for donations in exhange for entry into the raffle.

Tilly told the Herald at the screening: “I was really intrigued by the idea of Haslemere Hounds. What a fun way to fundraise. It’s really creative and cool.

“I do quite a lot of fundraising for Meningitis Now. I love their values. I feel like they are really meant.

“I had no idea I would receive the bionic arms at the film premiere. It was like a dream come true. I was shaking with excitement.”

Haslemere Hounds, which follows Haslemere Hogs in 2017 and Haslemere Hares in 2018, looks set to boost the total raised for good causes to more than £150,000.

The arts project launched by former town mayor Brian Howard in partnership with his daughter Marley Flowers owner Melissa King to promote the town and bring the community together, as well as boosting a wide range of charities, has proved to be a big hit both in the town and across the country.

More than 40 of the 100 limited edition Haslemere Hounds plus all the 22 ‘pups’ made have been pre-sold to their sponsors, but supporters can still bid for their favourite creations of those still up for grabs.

* An online auction launched on August 19 for 39 artworks, all with a starting price of £300. To register go to: www.haslemere hounds.co.uk and then login to bid.

Supporters are also invited to bid for a choice selection at a live gala auction from 6.30pm to be held at Lythe Hill Hotel on September 25, when the raffle for Hero Hound will also be drawn. Tickets cost £20 in advance from Marley Flowers or email: dogs [email protected].