Ref. 26188-15PREPARATIONS for this year's Marriott Charity Ball are well under way and the charities set to benefit have already been named.

This year's ball, held at the Swindon Marriott Hotel, will take place on Saturday, May 8.

The event a major social occasion in the town is now in its 16th year.

This year, the charity will exceed £400,000 in money raised since the ball was launched in 1989 by the Swindon Rotary Club.

Nationwide, the event's main sponsor, matches the money raised pound for pound.

Michelle Leighton, community affairs manager at Nationwide, said: "It's great that so many local charities can benefit from the charity ball and it is something we are very committed to."

The Evening Advertiser also supports the event, which is a stylish affair featuring a dance, dinner and an auction of goods donated by local businesses.

Rob Harman, chairman of the charity ball committee for 2004, said: "I am hoping this year's event will be as successful as it has been in previous years."

The cash raised at this year's event an estimated £40,000 will be divided between nine beneficiaries.

EMMA-KATE LIDBURY looks at what the nine will spend their money on:

The Green Hut . . . the drop-in centre in Gorse Hill will receive £5,000 which will be used to launch a newsletter. Above, Alan Fletcher, chairman of the Green Hut (centre front) hosts a party at St Barnabas Church hall, in Cricklade Road, to celebrate the success of the charity, which helps the homeless, unemployed and elderly.

The Evening Advertiser's Christmas Appeal donated £250 to the Green Hut, which ensured the festive period went with a swing. Mr Fletcher said: "We are so grateful for the Advertiser's continuing support. £250 goes a long way and made our Christmas party a wonderful success."

Technology for the Disabled . . . the group is looking to buy new computers and equipment with the £6,000 they are due to receive.

Asthma Relief . . . this Rodbourne-based charity will use the £2,250 to buy more nebulisers for doctors to carry while on call.

Well Woman Centre . . . the centre in Milton Road will benefit from a £6,000 grant, to buy blood analysis machines.

Swindon Samaritans . . . the £5,000 award will be used to make changes to the Samaritans' building, such as improving disabled access.

Music Alive . . . the £8,000 this charity is set to receive will be spent on music therapy for young children.

Friends of Young Carers . . . this charity is set to receive £7,400 from the proceeds of the charity ball, which will be spent on expanding the activities currently on offer to young carers across Swindon.