LEADING figures from the Suffolk business community are gearing up to back a major charity drive to support the county's vulnerable young people.

LEADING figures from the Suffolk business community are gearing up to back a major charity drive to support the county's vulnerable young people.

Representatives from dozens of firms will meet tomorrow at Ipswich Town's Galleria for a briefing on the Somebody's Daughter campaign.

Delegates will hear an update on the registered charity's achievements from its trustees, including Blues chairman David Sheepshanks, Ipswich MP Chris Mole and Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover.

Mr Pickover said the briefing would provide a chance for Suffolk's business community to discover more about how they can play their part in making a difference.

He said: “Somebody's Daughter has a fantastic opportunity to reach out to some of the most vulnerable youngsters and offer them a hand in rebuilding their lives.

“Tomorrow's business briefing is another key stepping stone in realising this wonderful charity's ambitions.

“We hope that we can rely on business to throw their weight behind a crucially important cause.”

Somebody's Daughter was launched in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council in the wake of the killings of five women in Suffolk.

The bodies of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Annette Nicholls and Paula Clennell were found in remote rural locations last December. All had worked in the sex trade and all had drug habits.

As a legacy to the five women, and in a bid to prevent others from walking in their desperate footsteps, Somebody's Daughter is aiming to raise enough cash to open a safe house where those embroiled in prostitution and drugs can seek support and guidance.

Businesses wishing to attend tomorrow's noon briefing should contact Josh Warwick on 01473 324840 or e-mail him at josh.warwick@eveningstar.co.uk