A VERY special star from the world of magic will entertain at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball 2005 it can be revealed today. With the theme 'An Enchanted Evening' magic, mystery and illusion is expected to pervade the glittering event, now established as the highlight of Suffolk's social and business calendar.

A VERY special star from the world of magic will entertain at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball 2005 it can be revealed today.

With the theme 'An Enchanted Evening' magic, mystery and illusion is expected to pervade the glittering event, now established as the highlight of Suffolk's social and business calendar.

Headlining an evening of sophisticated entertainment and sparkling charm will be world class magician Paul Daniels, who hopefully will be accompanied by lovely assistant and wife Debbie McGee.

The 5ft 5 star, well-known for his dedicated charity work, has entertained princes and prime ministers, dukes and duchesses, but on the night of the Press Ball it will be the turn of the county's society and business leaders.

Mr Daniels said he was looking forward to visiting the town.

He said: "I like Ipswich. I used to work at the First Floor Club and I enjoyed my time there. I have also remember performing dinner for the East Anglian Daily Times, it seems as though I am touring the newspapers of Ipswich."

Mr Daniels, 66, is a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an organisation known for its charity fund raising.

He said: "I was asked to come, it was as simple as that. I am a water rat and we work for charities wherever we can."

An enduring sight on our televisions and a household name for many years Mr Daniels said he had not thought about the details of his performance at the Press Ball.

He said: "I would imagine it will be a theatre or cabaret act or an after dinner speech. I am not sure what I will do yet, I have been so busy working on Graham Norton's new variety show it has taken up all my time."

Also famous as a gameshow host Mr Daniels said magic holds an enduring popularity for audiences. He said the role of a magician is similar to an actor.

He said: "Magic really is the oldest profession. I think it is popular because we are all bound by natural laws. The magician seems to be seen to bend those laws."

Wife Debbie McGee, a choreographer, performer and presenter in her own right, will accompany Mr Daniels if she isn't already booked.

The Press Ball raises thousands for Disability Care Enterprise (DCE)-a Suffolk-based charity which funds vital equipment for people with disabilities.

Organisers have set a target of £20,000 which they hope will be met by a combination of ticket sales, donations and an auction that will take place as part of the evening's entertainment.

Carolyne Morey, director of the DCE, said she was grateful to all the companies that go to the Press Ball each year.

She added: "I am delighted to hear that Paul Daniels will be at the Press Ball. He will add glamour to the evening."

The Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball 2005 has been generously sponsored by Ipswich-based firm Call Connection.

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Call Connection said: "The press ball has always been magical in what it has achieved for DCE over many years.

"To have Paul Daniels, who I think is one of the best magicians in the world attend adds a further touch of class to this fantastic event."

Star editor Nigel Pickover said he was delighted that Paul Daniels would be at the Press Ball.

He added: "Paul Daniels is the very face of magic in this country. His presence will add that extra bit of glitter and sparkle to Suffolk's biggest night of the year."

N The Press Ball takes place at Hotel Elizabeth in Copdock on June 24.

Paul Daniels Fact File

N He was born in Middlesborough.

N He doesn't drink and dislikes swearing.

N In April 1988 Paul married Debbie McGee.

N In 1983 Paul was presented with the 'Magician of the Year' Award by the Hollywood Academy of Magical Arts in Los Angeles.

N Paul Daniels will be 67 in April.

N He is a fan of Bentley motor cars and Lowcocks lemonade from Middlesborough.

N He has blue eyes.

Source: www.pauldaniels.co.uk