BIDDING is set to be brisk at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball this year, with fantastic auction prizes up for grabs. Lots on offer include tickets to an Ipswich Town Football Club game, a session with a top photographer and stunning jewellery.

BIDDING is set to be brisk at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball this year, with fantastic auction prizes up for grabs.

Lots on offer include tickets to an Ipswich Town Football Club game, a session with a top photographer and stunning jewellery. All proceeds go to the charity Disability Care Enterprise (DCE).

For the more intrepid guests there is the chance to visit one of Britain's best karting circuits.

Buckmore Park – one of the country's oldest and most impressive karting tracks – have donated a fabulous package for six people to enjoy the karting race track.

An original signed print from John Surtees, former formula one racing driver, is also on offer.

Buckmore Park joint owner Bill Bisley said: "We are delighted to be offering the vouchers and the print to the Press Ball. The DCE is a fantastic charity."

Based near Chatham, in Kent, and established in 1963, Buckmore Park attracts 150,000 visitors a year.

Mr Sisley said: "We always work with young people and John Surtees is very keen to help any charity as well as support young people."

Mr Sisley said the tickets normally cost £65 each (£320 for six) and the print is likely to be valued between £800 and £2,000.

He added: "It is quite valuable. It is a print of the car he drove to win the formula one world championship in 1964."

Are you guest at the press ball? To place a bid for this lot please contact Geraldine Thompson at The Evening Star on 01473 324866.

WEBLINK

www.buckmore.co.uk

The Press Ball is the biggest source of income for Suffolk Charity Disability Care Enterprise (DCE)

Lord Tollemache, Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, is DCE patron.

DCE was formed in 1988 after Angus McDonald , a father of a disabled daughter, was shocked when he found out the price of specialised equipment.

The charity spends £60,000 to £100,000 a year.

The average family receives about £1,000.

Since 1997, the Press Ball has raised £194,000.