DISABLED sportspeople and the parents of handicapped children are among those set to benefit from the Mayor of Hyndburn's charity bash later this month.

The Mayor, Coun Ian Ormerod, has changed the name of the annual extravaganza, which is called the Mayor's Bash, rather than the traditional Mayor's Ball, to emphasise the 'fun' aspect of the event.

The event takes place at Accrington Town Hall on Friday, February 27, starting at 7.30pm.

Attractions on the night are set to include jazz from a live orchestra, a three-course meal, a raffle and a 'lucky dip' meal auction. Young Cadets from the Army Cadet Corp in Accrington will serve as waiters and waitresses.

Entertainment will be provided by the Lancashire Student Jazz Orchestra. Also playing on the night are the Foottappers and the Gordon Toole Trio.

Coun Ormerod said: "I decided to call it a bash rather than a ball because it is not some stuffy event where everyone is forced to dress up in a bow tie. People are welcome to get dressed up if they want, but the main point of the evening is that it will be a lot of fun and will raise money for worthwhile local causes. I want people to come along and have a good time."

Tickets for the event are £10, which includes a three-course supper. The event is jointly sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Oswaldtwistle Mills and Ramsbottom and Co solicitors.

Proceeds from the Mayor's Fund will this year go to a number of charities in Hyndburn. The three main organisations to benefit are the Disabled Association for Sport in Hyndburn (DASH), Parents' Aid to the Handicapped (PATH) and the Hyndburn Talking Newspaper.

For tickets or for more details, call the Mayor's office on 01254 380102.

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