A GLITZY ball is being staged to help charities supporting two young children who are fighting to overcome serious illness.

Funds raised at next month’s evening event, at Durham’s Radisson Blu Hotel, will be split between Charlotte’s Challenge and research into cystic fibrosis.

Organiser Joanne Pearson, of Pressed, Prom and Bridal shop, in Sherburn Village, near Durham, aims to sell all 225 tickets, with 150 already snapped up, at £35 a head.

The ball, on Saturday February 7, from 7pm to 1am, includes a four-course meal, an auction and raffle, both featuring impressive prizes donated by local businesses, plus a disco into the early hours.

Other activities on the night include a photo booth, candy cart, a casino table and a magician.

Mrs Pearson said the charities were chosen as worthy causes by local people and customers.

They are in support of the families of two youngsters from County Durham who are bravely bearing difficult diseases.

Charlotte Watson, four, from Stanley, has undergone specialist proton beam treatment in Florida, in the USA, having been diagnosed with a malignant tumour in her right eye, as a result of a rare form of cancer.

Her family has set up Charlotte’s Challenge to raise awareness of the therapy and to raise £10,000 for the Clic Sargent charity, which helps families dealing with childhood cancers.

Jack, five, suffers from cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition which causes his lungs to fill with mucus. He requires daily physiotherapy and drug treatment.

His mother, Rachel Thompson, from Ushaw Moor, near Durham, is raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, which backs research into the condition.

Remaining tickets for the ball are available from Pressed, Prom and Bridal in 21 Front Street, Sherburn Village, on 0191-372-2111.