THE champagne will be flowing on Friday (March 14) when the Guild Hall in Preston hosts the Mayoral Charity Ball - that's if the Bolinger '45 is sold to a thirsty guest!

Among the raffles, tombola, and other fund-raising activities at Friday's party will be the auctioning off of one of the two bottles of champagne found in the vaults of the Town Hall last year, and believed to be from a case load purchased for the 1952 Preston Guild Celebrations.

Besides giving our number one citizen a chance to celebrate his year of office, the annual event is traditionally a great fund-raiser for the mayor's charity.

Mayor Ron Marshall said: "We are all looking forward to a very successful night and we are hoping that it will raise a lot of money for the inner-city schools in Preston, those which have difficulty fund-raising themselves, as well as for the National Children's Home."

For the second year running, The Preston Citizen is sponsoring this highlight of the town's social calendar: "We are most delighted that the Citizen is sponsoring it again. We are grateful to them for their generosity," said Councillor Marshall.

One of the highlights of this year's event could be the mystery guest, Councillor Marshall admitted that even he didn't know who it would be, but added: "I am quite hopeful!"

Other attractions include the sensational Blue Moon Dance Band, and the golden voice of cabaret Robert Young.

Tickets to the Ball are £20, available from the Mayor's secretary at the town hall or by calling 01772-906113.

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