SUFFOLK: As excitement builds for Ipswich and Suffolk’s most glittering night of the year, The Evening Star can today reveal that a signed England shirt is set to go under the hammer at the event.

The Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball – this year called the ES 125 Ball in honour of the Evening Star’s 125th birthday – is set to take place on Friday, June 25, in the sophisticated, intimate and stylish surroundings of Hintlesham Hall.

It is one of the most eagerly-awaited events in the social calendar and now it has emerged that a England shirt signed by Fabio Capello is to be auctioned off.

The shirt, which has been donated by Suffolk New College, was signed by the England manager when he ventured to the town to open the new multi-million education facilities.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “It’s going to be such a fantastic event which will raise significant money for two incredibly worthy causes.

“We’re delighted to have the honour of auctioning a signed England shirt, which will no doubt add to a night of fun, entertainment and fundraising.”

The event, now in its 14th year, is sure to be the most spectacular yet and is due to raise thousands of pounds for two very worthy causes – the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and St Elizabeth Hospice.

Dave Muller, principal of Suffolk New College, said: “We are privileged and proud to be able to make this timely donation of an England football shirt signed by Fabio Capello to support the Evening Star Press Ball and the associated charities.”

The exciting event is also set to include a performance by soul sensation FiL Straughan, an exquisite banquet and entertainment from a host of Suffolk musicians.

The ball, sponsored by Tiger.co.uk, has built a reputation as one of the most exciting events in Suffolk and each year helps to raise vital funds for charities with the help of our sponsors and readers.

Organisers today stressed that pairs of tickets can be bought, or companies and other organisations can buy a table.

The price of the tickets is �100, and the table cost for ten people is �1,000.

To book a table, contact Michelle Dorrell at the Star on 01473 324867 or e-mail michelle.dorrell@archant.co.uk.

You can also contact Hintlesham Hall directly on 01473 652334.

n Has your cause been helped by the Press Ball? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk