The hammer will come down at a very special auction on Sunday as truckie Alan Ettridge aims to raise thousands of dollars for Manypeaks and South Stirling primary schools.

Mr Ettridge has hit-up local businesses for all sorts of goods, which will be auctioned off at Manypeaks Hall, on South Coast Highway, on Sunday.

He owns a transport business and asked his predominantly farming clients for donations to help raise funds to aid regional schools, a cause for which he is passionate.

His customers have donated a wide range of products including hay bales, a load of lime, cattle pellets, barbecues, pressure cleaners and fuel vouchers.

A former pupil at a small, regional school, Mr Ettridge said he is hoping to raise about $14,000.

“I came from Frankland River and went to a little school,” he said.

“I started a transport business when I sold my farm in 1999, and I drive past the schools all the time.

“I decided I wanted to do something – it’s just taken the 27 years!”

Mr Ettridge said he was driving past one day and called in to make a donation to each school.

“They were so overwhelmed that I decided to try and do more,” he said.

“I went into Albany, spoke to my business customers and got the ball rolling. I have been overwhelmed myself by their support.”

He has arranged for Nutrien Livestock’s qualified auctioneer Michael Lynch to run the proceedings and said he hopes local people will raise their hands for a good cause.

“It’s not all about making money for me anymore, it’s more about providing a service to my customers and putting something back into the area,” he said.

“The people who have got on board to help have been great and they all said it was a bloody good idea.

“If everything makes its recommended retail price we could get to $14-$15,000.”

One of those helping is Manypeaks’ Primary School Parents and Citizens Association secretary Fiona Denney.

She said Mr Ettridge’s effort was amazing.

“This is huge for us,” she said.

“We spend all year fundraising and it’s a lot of work sometimes for just $500.

“This is going to be great for the schools and hopefully provide some improvements we previously could only dream of.”

Top of the wish list is a BMX track around the Manypeaks school and fixing up playground equipment.

Sunday’s event will also feature a morning tea and sausage sizzle with viewing of the auction items starting at 10am.

The auction will start at noon.