THE North-East's first national railway museum will hold a charity ball at the weekend.

More than 220 people will dance the night away in the collections centre at Shildon's Locomotion: National Railway Museum on Saturday night to raise money for The Butterwick Hospice, Bishop Auckland, the chosen charity of Sedgefield Borough Council's Mayor, Councillor Marie Predki.

The event will give guests a chance to see the National Railway Museum's collection and tuck into a five-course meal.

The venue has proved to be a popular choice for the ball, with tickets sold out within ten days and a waiting list of 40 guests. The John Wrightson band and disco will provide the music.

A spokesperson for the council said the collection would provide a fabulous setting for the occasion.