PRESTON Borough Council will soon be rolling out the red carpet for the Golden Jubilee Mayoral Charity Ball.

The annual event, sponsored by The Citizen newspaper and Travis Perkins building firm, will take place in the Grand Hall of the Guild Hall, on March 15.

As the town's first couple, the Mayor, Councillor Alan Hackett, and his wife Joan, will host the dinner dance attended by the town's council representatives, civic officials and business people. Coun Hackett said: "I'm looking forward to it.

"It's a chance to celebrate the borough and to let councillors and officers of Preston come together while raising money for the good causes at the same time."

The civic event will begin at 7pm with youngsters from the Ashton High School band playing a string of melodies as guests mingle and find their seats at the tables. After the meal there will be speeches from prominent guests including Preston MP Mark Hendrick.

Popular band 'O Boy' will round the evening off with a selection of chart-topping hits from the '60s and '70s and guests can toe-tap into the early hours.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Mayor's charities including St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall, Preston. Tickets cost £22.50, for details e-mail the Mayor's secretary, Marjories Barnes, at m.barnes@preston.gov.uk or call 906113.