Maidenhead & Windsor

Ticket sales are fast approaching the 300 level, but there's still time to join the guest list for the Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor's annual Charity Ball to be held at The Pavilion, Ascot Racecourse, next month.

That's the message from the Windsor and Maidenhead organising committee with the prestigious black-tie event just over a month away on Saturday 13 March.

The deadline for applications for tickets - and for submitting advertisements for the evening's programme* - is Monday 15 February.

The evening's special guest of honour is HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who will be accompanied by a guard of honour from the Household Cavalry regiment, many of whose members are currently serving in Afghanistan.

Half of the proceeds from the Windsor and Maidenhead gala event will be donated to the Bobby Moore Fund and the remaining 50% will be shared between Thames Hospicecare, WAMDSAD, the Alexander Devine Children's Cancer Trust and Help for Heroes.

Strictly Come Dancing winner and TV sports personality Chris Hollins will compere the evening, which will feature a champagne reception, three-course dinner with wine, world class cabaret and a charity auction.

Windsor and Maidenhead Auction prizes include:

* A bejewelled guitar donated by Gary Hutchins of Sussex-based Hutchins Guitars - the guitar will be on display in Hooters music shop in King Edward Court, Windsor from next week
* A Bomber Command print signed by the veterans and donated by the Artique Gallery in Eton
* Winston Churchill signed memorabilia
* Dinner for 12 at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park
* A special Mayor's prize for two comprising a private tour of Windsor Castle and overnight stay with dinner at the Harte and Garter Hotel.

Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough Mayor, Cllr Jesse Grey, said this week: "A great many people are working very hard to make this ball a really special and memorable evening, and we are delighted to have such a wonderful event in prospect - and very honoured to have Royal patronage with Prince Philip as our guest of honour.

"We are delighted with the way ticket sales have gone so far, but there is still time to book your seats to help us raise as much money as possible for all the very deserving charities which do so much to help others less fortunate than themselves."

Tickets for the Windsor and Maidenhead ball are currently on sale at £95 each from Alison Singleton, Mayor's secretary, Town Hall, Maidenhead; telephone 01628 796223 or email Alison.singleton@rbwm.gov.uk ; also from organising committee members Cllr Sayonara Luxton at cllr.luxton@rbwm.gov.uk and Alan Carr at alan.carr@carr.co.uk.

The deadline for ticket applications and programme adverts is Monday 15 February.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead