THERE are still tickets up for grabs for this year's Charity Ball.

The Advertiser-backed ball, which is being held at the Marriott Hotel on April 23, will raise money for a host of Swindon charities.

Swindon Scrapstore, The Open Door Centre, Swindon Therapy Centre, NSPCC, North Swindon Family Centre, Broadgreen Breakfast Club, Leaves, Druglink, Lower Shaw Farm Children's Project and Reach Inclusive Arts will all get cash.

And this year's ball has a pretty hard act to follow as last year's raised a record £44,000.

Among those who will benefit will be Andrea Hirsch, the children's project co-ordinator at Lower Shaw Farm. She said: "We're really delighted because it will mean we can carry on with the programme of events for children and their families for the rest of the year."

Jackie Wray, the manager of the Swindon Therapy Centre for Multiple Sclerosis, hopes to spend the money on a new hoist and three slings to make it easy to lift sufferers at the centre. She said: "It's going to help improve members' quality of life and help our volunteers as well."

The NSPCC North Swindon Family Centre in Atworth Close, Penhill, will also benefit from the ball.

Manager Garry Holmes said: "We are hoping to extend our work with children with special needs and work with fathers. Most of the money we get from the ball will go on toys, some of which will be specialised."

The ball is also being supported by Nationwide, Swindon Rotary Club and the Marriott Hotel.

Since the ball was launched in 1989 it has raised more than £440,000 for local charities.

Michelle Leighton, the community affairs manager for Nationwide, who is chairing the committee for this year's event, said: "Nationwide is delighted to be involved with this ball and is pleased that such a mix of local charities are going to funded by it."

Anyone who would like to buy a ticket for one of the remaining tables should ring Alison Brakespear at Nationwide on 01793 655064.

Diana Milne