TICKETS for the Mayor of Chippenham's charity ball are selling like hot cakes.

The dinner dance, on Friday April 25 at 7.30pm, will be one of the first events to be held in the newly refurbished Neeld Hall and it will raise funds for the Mayor's charity, the Friends of Chippenham Hospital.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Chippenham, Richard and Karin Meek will greet guests as they arrive and dinner will be served at 8pm.

Demand for tickets has been very high with half selling in the first two weeks.

Tickets are still available and anyone interested in going is urged to get their tickets as soon as possible.

Dinner will consist of a three-course meal with a hot main course including a vegetarian option.

The Freddie Gee Trio will play background music at the start of the evening and during the meal.

Popular band Speakers Corner will play dance music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Around 10.30pm a cabaret performance will be staged by Bristol impressionist Dickie.

During the evening a raffle will be drawn, with a prize donated by the Bell House Hotel at Sutton Benger and worth about £200.

Coun Meek said "The generosity of so many people in support of our chosen charity has been one of the most satisfying things about our mayoral year. We hope the dinner dance will help us build on the money already raised but the aim is to end our year on a real high note by having a really good party.

"Everyone is therefore welcome to come along to what promises to be an unforgettable evening with a fantastic atmosphere, excellent food and great entertainment."

Tickets cost £25 each and can be obtained from the Chippenham Town Council Information Point or call (01249) 655331.