THE British ambassador to the US will speak at the rearranged annual dinner of the British American Chamber of Commerce (BACC).

The dinner, to be held at the Lumley Castle Hotel, near Chester-le-Street, on Monday, October 8, has been rescheduled following the terrorist attacks on the US.

Sir Christopher Meyer will be guest of honour and keynote speaker, as originally planned.

Sir Neville Trotter, president of the BACC in the North-East, said: "I am delighted that Sir Christopher is still able to attend following the terrible events in New York and Washington DC.

"The trans-Atlantic business relationship is of great significance to our region with thousands of associated member companies on both sides of the Atlantic."

He said: "Our organisation seeks to play a prominent role in developing these relationships and our annual dinner recognises the importance of our links with the US."

The BACC has already launched an initiative in New York to provide financial assistance to families and victims of the recent terrorist attacks. During the evening a raffle will be held to raise further funds.

The event is the BACC's second annual dinner and is being sponsored by Newcastle Airport, British Airways and The Design Group.

Tickets are still available. For further details contact Carole Wright on (01642) 806737.