The NSPCC has increased the amount it raised through a silent auction at its X-Factor ChildLine Ball by using iPads.

At the event the charity raised £51,000 through the silent auction which is a 25 per cent increase on last year’s figure. The event overall raised more than £630,000.

It was the first time the charity had used the technology to conduct the silent auction and following the success it is looking at using similar tools at future events.

The iPads were provided by Bidtech who also developed the auction software that includes videos and links to more information about the items and a league table showing what people are bidding on.

Natasha Sweet, NSPCC fundraiser, said: “We placed two iPads on each table and this gave guests full details and photos of all the items in the silent auction.

“Guests could browse and bid from the app, and see the bids appear in real time on a big screen in the ballroom. This proved very popular and created some healthy competition, as guests could see what others were bidding.”