AN evening of sparkle and stars is set to raise thousands of pounds for a North-East hospice.

The Champagne and Pearls Ball, on Saturday (October 3), is the 19th black tie and ball gown extravaganza in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, and hundreds people are due to attend.

Sponsored by the Clinkard Group, the event is being held in the Starlight Marquee at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, with entertainment from cabaret artists Graffiti Voices and the Dean Solomon Band.

It is hoped the ball will raise at least £15,000 for the Woodland Road hospice, funds that are critical to maintaining its high standards of care and support and the new ten-bed in-patient unit currently under construction.

The hospice needs to raise £2.2m a year to maintain its professional service for the local community, money that comes from charitable donations, support from the community organisations and businesses, a chain of charity shops, legacies and fundraising events such as the ball.

Chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: "The ball is one of our main fundraising events of the year so we go all out to make it as special as possible. Hundreds of our supporters are promised a fantastic night which celebrates the work we do and also helps us raise significant funds towards continuing our pioneering work."