DIAMONDS are a girl's best friend! And this stunning necklace is to feature as the star auction prize at this year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball, it was announced today.

DIAMONDS are a girl's best friend!

And this stunning necklace is to feature as the star auction prize at this year's Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball, it was announced today.

Donated by Ipswich jewellers Riley & Riley, the trilogy necklace will be sold during the night of nights raising money for the event's chosen charities The Cystic Fibrosis Trust (CFT) and Disability Care Enterprise (DCE).

Set in 18 carat white gold, one lucky lady will walk away with the classic piece which represents past, present and future.

Mark Riley, managing director of the Buttermarket-based firm, said: “The setting and chain are in 18 carat white gold. The diamonds are graduated in a vertical row and weigh just over two thirds of a carat.

“This is a classic and timeless piece of jewellery. It has a retail value of about £1,500.”

Husband and wife team Mark and Tessa Riley are regular supporters of the Press Ball.

Mr Riley said: “This will be our 11th Press Ball. It is a fantastic night and it's a fabulous event to be involved with. We look forward to it every year.

“The ball supports fantastic charities and we are delighted to offer our support with this auction prize once again.”

Mrs Riley, who modelled the necklace, said: “This would appeal to any lady who loves diamonds. It's a very romantic piece of jewellery and would suit an older or younger lady.”

With headline acts to include legendary Eurovision winners The Original Bucks Fizz and X-Factor contestant Adam Chandler, interest in the glittering evening has been huge after this year's event was launched. And this year's Champagne Ball theme is expected to be the last word in luxury and sophistication.

And organisers are hoping to raise a whopping £20,000 for the event's chosen charities, the CFT and DCE.

Sandra Howarth, spokeswoman for the CFT in the eastern region, said: “This is a fantastic auction prize and extremely generous of Riley & Riley. I'd like to thank Mark and Tessa and all those donating prizes.”

Held at the Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock, on Friday June 20, music, dancing, fine food and wines are followed by an auction and tombola with prizes donated by a number of businesses and organisations.

Regularly and strongly supported by the county's business community, the Press Ball is once again sponsored by Ipswich firm Call Connection.

Have you been helped by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

PRESS ball bosses are today offering the chance for the business community to offer their help to raise cash for the event's chosen charities.

If your business or organisation would like to donate a raffle or auction prize to the prestigious event please contact Bridget York on 07961 430599.

Previous Press Ball special guest stars have included magician Paul Daniels, comic Bobby Davro and singer Tony Hadley.