CLUBBERS at a North-East nightspot will be partying away for a good cause this evening.

The Mardi Gras, in Darlington, is the venue for the launch party of The Giving Tree appeal, which provides Christmas presents for the needy.

The club will be devoting its Orleans bar to the event, from 8pm.

Tickets cost £2.50, which includes a draw. All proceeds go to the appeal.

They are available from the club and The Northern Echo's offices, or at the door, until 10pm. Normal dress code applies - smart or casual gear and no trainers.

Appeal organiser Janet Robinson said: "We want to launch the appeal with a really good party where everybody has a good time.

"The idea is that it is the festive time of the year, so we want people to enjoy themselves, and raise the profile of the appeal at the same time."

The appeal, which is organised by Darlington Borough Council Social Services, has grown steadily since it was established, in 1997.

The aim is to provide Christmas presents for residents who cannot afford them.

Organisers are asking Christmas shoppers to buy an extra present and leave it either at The Northern Echo's offices, Darlington Town Hall, Alpha Radio, in Woodland Road, Darlington, or the Asda supermarkets in Darlington and Spennymoor.

People can also support the appeal by putting together Christmas hampers, fundraising or making cash donations.

The gifts can help children and families in lots of ways. Last year, the appeal was able to help buy presents for three families who had been burgled just before Christmas.

Mrs Robinson said: "This is a chance for people to do something special just by buying an extra present during their Christmas shopping trip."

Mill Garages, at Faverdale, Darlington, have joined the appeal by supplying a car, with The Giving Tree logo, for the collection and distribution of presents.

A spokeswoman for supporters Alpha 103.2 said: "We are really pleased to be associated with the Giving Tree again and we hope to make it bigger and better than ever.

"It will be a massive help having the logoed car supplied by Mill VW, of Faverdale."

More details about how people can help the appeal can be found on The Giving Tree website, at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/givingtre