THE annual East Lancs Hospice Ball is on Friday, October 11, at the Stirk House Hotel near Clitheroe.

The ball is a major event in the hospice's fund-raising calendar and this year features Vince Earl, otherwise known as Ron Dixon from the TV soap Brookside.

Vince is also a popular comedian and has his own band, which will also perform at the event.

East Lancs Hospice chairman Geoff Braithwaite said: "The food and entertainment promise to be fabulous and we hope to raise a considerable sum to continue the care and services we offer to those people in East Lancashire who really need it.

"The event will only be a success if people come along, so we are calling on East Lancashire folk to support us and book a ticket."

East Lancs Hospice needs to raise over £300,000 a year to care for cancer sufferers from Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

Tickets for the event, priced £35 which includes pre-dinner drinks, three-course meal, entertainment and dancing, can be obtained from the appeals office on 01254 660900.