A Darlington fashion shop is combining fun and fundraising by organising a black tie ball for charity next month.

Staff and owners of Leggs in Skinnergate are raising funds and awareness for two cancer charities by co-ordinating the Tops and Tails Ball, which they hope will become an annual event.

Owners Ann and John Coxon decided that, as an alternative to the usual staff Christmas party, they would hold a formal ball to raise money for Everyman, a testicular cancer charity, and Breast Cancer Care.

The idea came from Debbie Smith, manager of their women's store, who lost her mother, Delia Keenan, to breast cancer four years ago.

Mrs Smith's two children, Peter, 16, and Lucy, 14, also work at the store and it was decided money raised should also go to Everyman, as Leggs also has a menswear shop in Skinnergate.

Mrs Smith, 39, wanted to raise funds for a breast cancer charity in her mother's memory, and this was the perfect opportunity as it related to her interests in music and fashion.

She said: "I'm not the sort of person who can run a marathon for charity. Getting people to give me things is what I can do.

"This is not all down to me - it is down to Ann and John as well. They let me get on with organising it because it means something to me."

Mrs Smith has enlisted comedy act Chambers and Nettleton to perform at the ball - a job they were more than happy to do free of charge, because Mrs Keenan was the older sister of Lynne Chambers, one half of the duo.

Pop Idol finalist Zo Birkett will make a guest appearance to sing and, as a family friend of the Smiths, will also appear free of charge.

There will be an auction to raise money for the charities, with items donated by Leggs' suppliers as well as shops, beauty salons and luxury hotels.

Designer Tortoise has given a hand-made bustier to auction, which is an original one-off and has been specially commissioned in pink, the colour of Breast Cancer Care.

A local business has donated a day of pampering, with top-to-toe beauty treatments, including hair, nails, botox and tanning treatments.

Music for the ball will be provided by Westway, a London band, and a champagne reception, given by the venue, is included in the ticket price.

The ball, which includes a three-course meal, will also include a raffle. The organisers are looking for more small raffle prizes from businesses or individuals.

Mrs Coxon, said: "People have been really generous to us but it is a good cause. I think people have been touched by it because everybody knows somebody who has been affected by cancer.

"It will be a very good night - when we throw a party, we know how to throw a party."

The ball is at the Redworth Hall Hotel on September 18. Tickets are available from Leggs priced £45, or £450 for a table of ten. For tickets, more information or to donate a raffle prize, call at Leggs in Skinnergate in Darlington