EXCITEMENT is building for the first in a series of charity events organised as part of a year-long fundraising partnership between Sir Ian Botham and a five-star resort.

The Halloween themed gourmet meal at Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, is the first of six events planned to raise money for Beefy’s Charity Foundation, which supports a number of charities close to the cricket legend’s heart.

Places are still available for the charity Halloween event, which starts at 6.45pm on November 5. A table of ten is £850 and includes a three-course gourmet meal with wine and coffee.

Sarah Botham, whose company Sola Events is organising the dinner, said: “It is the first time we have done something in the North-East, which is where we all live, so it is quite special for us to be able to do it our own doorstep.

“There is something different at each of the events. None of our events are standard and there will be a surprise at each event.”

In last year, the charity foundation has donated £20,000 to each of the charities it supports - Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Cardiac Arrest in the Young, Battens Disease Family Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Brain Tumour Research in Yorkshire.

Rockliffe Hall will also host a Christmas carol event on December 21, which includes a visit to Santa's grotto.

For more information or to book, email sarah@solaevents.com or call 020-3416-6468.