A £1,500 diamond has been donated to a black tie charity dinner, which is being held in aid of a North-East hospice.

Freeman Jewellers, in Yarm, near Stockton, is giving the cut loose jewel after hearing about the work of the Butterwick Hospice.

The black tie and diamond dinner will be held at Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Hurworth, near Darlington, on Friday, April 23.

Those attending the event will have a chance of winning the diamond with a £20 donation.

Jill Freeman, of the jewellers, said: “The hospice approached us to buy a diamond for the event, but after talking to them about the work they do, myself and my partner, Hugo Holmes, decided to adopt the Butterwick as one of our charities for 2010 and donate the diamond.

“We are very pleased to be able to help what is a fantastic cause.”

Anne Cooling, from the Butterwick Hospice, said: “We’re very grateful to Freeman Jewellers. It’s a beautiful diamond and anyone would be delighted to win it.”

The event features entertainment from speakers Alan Wright, former Middlesbrough footballer Craig Hignett, and TV impressionist Kevin Connelly. All three are performing for free.

All proceeds will go to Butterwick Hospice Care.

Tickets are £75 each, with a discount for tables of ten.

E-mail annecooling@ butterwick.org.uk or telephone 01642-628930 for more details.