A MERSEYSIDE charity is hoping the bequest of a feudal title will reap Royal rewards for their coffers.

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) was left the title of the Lordship of Melling by London teacher George Barnes in his will.

Now the Birkenhead-based charity is going to bestow the title each year on one lucky raffle winner.

Elena Fowler, NYAS chief executive, said: “There will be a mayoral robe and we will present a scroll for the lordship to whoever wins as a bit of fun.

“But they will be able to sign their name ‘Lord Melling’ quite legitimately.”

And they’ll also be able to watch the Melling Cup in style.

“Aintree have been very supportive and have given us tickets for the races as part of the prize,” she said.

The bizarre bequest also came with a large donation to the charity which works to offer legal advice and support for children who find themselves in the court.

Ms Fowler said: “I was overwhelmed because we were left a substantial sum of money, so I was bowled over. The first question was ‘Gosh, do we inherit a manor house and a seat in the Lords?’ – of course, it doesn’t mean that.

“The trustees agreed that the best use of it was to make it an annual event, and it will be a bit of fun which will hopefully raise the profile of our work.

“George Barnes was a teacher who had a reputation for sticking up for children. He left a will and made it clear that he wanted the money to go to an organisation that spoke up for children in trouble.

“Children that don’t necessarily have the ‘aw’ factor.”