CELEBRITY Clarets fan Alistair Campbell hopes his latest star-studded fundraiser will boost Burnley's coffers by £40,000.

Turf Moor hosts the third annual celebrity dinner next month, when sporting stars Phil Tufnell, John Parrott, Bill Beaumont and Geoff Thomas have all accepted invitations to be VIP speakers.

And former Downing Street spin doctor Campbell hopes to raise another whopping five-figure sum to make a real difference to the running of the cash-strapped Clarets.

He explained: "If you are Manchester United, Liverpool or Chelsea, then £40,000 is a drop in the ocean, but to Burnley that could be the difference between getting this player or that player.

"That's what we raised last year and we are hoping to do the same again."

Campbell, who, following the success of two previous dinners has again delved into his extensive contacts book to secure this year's guests, added: "The reason we don't have the money is because we are in a division where there are clubs with a lot more money than us and bigger squads.

"The situation now might not be as desperate as it was three years ago, but if you have a potential financial stream like that from an annual event, obviously it helps to contribute more money to the club and that's a good enough reason to do it."

This year's top table includes cricket legend Tufnell, who is fast becoming a sought-after speaker following his many adventurous exploits off the field, including a spell in the Jungle in ITV's ratings winner, 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'.

Wise-cracking Scouser Parrott currently fronts BBC's snooker coverage, while former England midfielder Thomas has fought Leukemia and recently completed the gruelling Tour de France on his road to a full recovery

Finally, former rugby legend Beaumont is even ready to cross the great divide to risk being seen at Turf Moor!

"Anything I can do to help, I will by using the contacts I have," said Campbell. "Bill may be a Blackburn fan, a rugby man and a Tory, but he is a good bloke who I got to know very well on the Lions tour.

"He said then if there was anything he could do to help Burnley he would, so it's brilliant news that he is doing it and in terms of all the guests, we are delighted."

Tickets for the event, on Friday, February 17, are now available priced at £100 each.

Campbell explained: "I suppose we are saying to local people, it's £100 each - £1,000 for a table of 10 - and it's a very nice way of meeting clients and having a fantastic night out."

An auction will also be held on the night to raise further funds. Items up for grabs include a pair of Wayne Rooney's autographed football boots and a signed Andrew Flintoff England shirt.

For more details, call the club on 01282 704705.