ORGANISERS of the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball have today announced a magnificent auction prize for one lucky guest.

By JAMES MARSTON

james.marston@eveningstar.co.uk>

ORGANISERS of the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball have today announced a magnificent auction prize for one lucky guest.

Bosses at Woodbridge's prestigious Ufford Park Hotel are offering an exclusive full day “fire and ice” experience for up to ten people to include a healthy lunch in the hotel's “Meeting Place”.

The glittering prize also includes full use of the health club and thermal sauna which includes the hydra pool, ice fountain and relaxation zone.

Tarnia Robertson marketing director of Ufford Park Hotel, said: 'This will be the third year Best Western Ufford Park Hotel, Golf & Spa have supported this worthwhile charity event.

“As a local family run business we appreciate how hard it is to raise money for charity but we do pride ourselves in responding to all local businesses' requests for prizes whether it be a church fete or something as prestigious as this Press Ball.

“We feel we are putting something back into the community, the same community who supports our facilities here at the hotel.”

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.

Since the inaugural ball in 1997 the press ball has raised thousands for charity and this year the Press Ball organising committee has chosen the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Disability Care Enterprise as the 2008 beneficiaries.

And organisers are hoping to raise a whopping £20,000 for the charities.

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.