ONE of the biggest charity events in the town's calendar is expected to raise over £40,000 this weekend.

The Swindon Marriott Charity Ball has been running since 1989 and in that time it has raised some £333,000 for local causes.

Nationwide Building Society took over last year as main corporate sponsor of the event and will match pound for pound any amount raised.

The ball's other main corporate sponsors are the Marriott Hotel and the Evening Advertiser.

Swindon Rotary Club help found and organise the event.

Taking place at the Marriott Hotel this Saturday, the ball will attract 200 guests paying £70 a ticket.

The ball is again expected to raise at least £20,000 which will be doubled by Nationwide and then split between six charities.

Swindon Arts want to use the money raised to send a community artist to work in primary schools.

Phoenix Mailing, which offers work and training for people with learning difficulties, will use its share to buy office equipment.

Oak House, a charity which provides short respite breaks for people with learning disabilities, wants to buy equipment for a stimulation and relaxation room.

The other charities to benefit are Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Swindon Mentoring and Self Help (Smash) youth project and St John Ambulance.

Last year the money raised at the ball was split between the Prospect Hospice and Threshold Housing Link.

Manager of Swindon Marriott, Eva Duyndam, said: "It will be a smashing evening.

"We always get so much support from everyone for the local charities.

"We are hoping to at least match last year's fundraising total and hopefully beat it.

"It's the 15th ball and it's been running ever since the Marriott opened here.

"We like to be involved in raising money for local charities to put something back into the local community."

Michelle Leighton, from Nationwide, said: "Nationwide is delighted to be involved in the charity ball and pleased that so many charities will benefit this year."

At time of going to press a handful of tickets still remained for the ball.

The ticket price includes a sumptuous meal and dancing to live music from Locomotion.

Lots in the charity auction will include a football shirt signed by the England squad, a four-ball game of golf and a morning spent with the GWR radio show breakfast crew.

There will also be a weekend break with theatre tickets at Marriott Park Lane, European weekend breaks and a week's holiday in France.

The raffle will also have an impressive selection of prizes donated by local businesses.

To enquire about ball tickets call Swindon 512121.