IT'S a pledge that has delighted the organisers of this years Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. Managers at The Belstead Brook Hotel have today put their weight behind the charity event by offering one of the evening's star raffle prizes - a luxury overnight stay including dinner bed and breakfast at the exclusive venue.

IT'S a pledge that has delighted the organisers of this years Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball.

Managers at The Belstead Brook Hotel have today put their weight behind the charity event by offering one of the evening's star raffle prizes - a luxury overnight stay including dinner bed and breakfast at the exclusive venue.

Sitting in nine acres of tranquil gardens the hotel was originally a 16th century hinting lodge and teems with character and charm.

The prize winner will enjoy pre - dinner drinks in the hotel's bar and dine on the finest food and wines in the elegant oak-panelled restaurant.

Dating back to the 16th Century and rich in atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect for an intimate and romantic meal for two.

The menu is a contemporary bistro style that reflects modern British trends and all food is created on the property using the finest fresh ingredients.

Spending the night in one of the hotel's 88 en-suite fully equipped rooms, the guest will wake to the calm of the surroundings and a full English breakfast.

General manager Chris Holden said: “We are delighted to offer this raffle prize to the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball. “The Press Ball is an event that supports and raises much needed funds for fantastic charities and offering the chance to relax at our hotel is our way of doing our bit for the wider Suffolk community.”

Mr Holden said the overnight stay would also include complimentary use of the hotel's Leisure Club, which has an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna and steam room, providing a perfect setting in which to unwind.

He added: “We pride ourselves on our service and our attention to detail. We look forward to welcoming the winner and we are proud to support this fabulous event.”

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.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “This is a brilliant prize and an extremely generous gesture by The Belstead Brook.

“On behalf of the organisers I would like to thank the hotel and all Suffolk businesses that are digging deep and pulling together to support the Press Ball.”

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.

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

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.

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.

All rooms are en-suite and furnished including television, direct dial telephone, hospitality tray, iron and ironing board, trouser press and hair dryers.

The purpose built conference and banquet facilities can accommodate 200 people, and with a dedicated wedding and conference coordinators the hotel is the ideal place to host events.

A civil ceremony licence has made it popular to hold both the wedding ceremony and celebration at the hotel, with the picturesque gardens proving ideal for photography.

The hotel's amenities include swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna, solarium, weight training, cardio-vascular equipment and the Body, Mind and Soul Therapeutic Spa.

The hotel is part of the Swallow Hotels chain.