IPSWICH Corn Exchange is being turned into a chocolate paradise next week when mayor Roger Fern hosts a "chocoholic" party to raise money for his charities.

IPSWICH Corn Exchange is being turned into a chocolate paradise next week when mayor Roger Fern hosts a "chocoholic" party to raise money for his charities.

As well as chocolate delights, there will also be a supper – but it is the confectionary, supplied by the Chocolate Boutique, which will be the real attraction.

Mr Fern claimed that he isn't a massive chocoholic: "This is really my wife's idea – she's the chocoholic in our house," he said.

"But we thought this was something a bit different, and there will chocolate gifts on sale for Christmas."

Mr Fern said he had slight pangs of guilt for organising the event – but felt one night would not cause too many health problems.

"Like everyone I'm trying to promote healthy living, but Bob Zablok from the Chocolate Boutique assures me you can buy healthy chocolate which can be eaten by people trying to lose weight," he said.

Tickets for next Wednesday's party cost £15 and are currently on sale from the Town Hall box office and from the Chocolate Boutique in Dial Lane.

Money raised from the event will go to the Iceni Project, Ipswich Women's Aid, Ipswich and Woodbridge support group for the macular disease society and the healthy bones project in Ipswich schools run by the Osteoporosis Society.