PRINCESS Diana's former butler Paul Burrell is to give after dinner speech in East Lancashire just a week before another court appearance.

And another couple in the news, Neil and Christine Hamilton, recently at the centre of a false sex assault allegations, have been booked for next year at the same venue.

Mr Burrell had been booked for a charity dinner at St Mary's Chambers in Rawtenstall, but when he was arrested and charged with theft of property belonging to his former employer, organisers feared the event might have to be cancelled.

Licensee Bob Holmes said: "We had taken all these bookings but we couldn't act on them because we were not sure if he was going to make it. Then we got an e-mail from his personal assistant saying he was looking forward to being here.

"He is appearing in Rawtenstall on October 5 and in court a week later. There are 150 tickets for the night and we have one table left."

St Mary's Chambers has already hosted a men's dinner with the man who broke Baring's Bank Nick Leeson and Liverpool Council's controversial leader Derek Hatton. Both events raised more than £10,000 for the Save the Children Fund.

And Bob is delighted to be able to announce another coup for Rossendale because he has booked former Tatton MP Mr Hamilton and his wife to speak at a mixed dinner on March 1.

Bob said: "When we were not sure what was going to happen with Paul Burrell I thought I would book Christine Hamilton instead because she was also in the news at the time and she is an equally well-known person. Now I'm getting them both."

On October 5 money will be raised for the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. A meal will be served, entertainment will also be provided by comedienne Crissy Rock of TV's Ladybird, Ladybird and there will be a grand charity auction.

Tickets are £40 each or £150 for a table of four and £300 for a table of eight. Details on 01706 223222.