PREPARATIONS are nearing completion for the annual St Teresa's Hospice Ball in Darlington tonight.

This year's ball will be held at the Beehive Ballroom, at Lingfield Point, which has been redecorated by the 1st Battalion Queen's Lancashire Regiment for the event.

Hospice volunteers are preparing decorations to fit in with the Speakeasy theme of the ball.

Music will be provided by the Dean Solomon band and there will be a cabaret performance by swing-dance group the Sugarfoot Stompers.

Jane Bradshaw, hospice director, said: "This year's ball is going to be bigger and better than ever and there are plenty of surprises in store.

"We are very grateful to everyone who has worked hard to prepare the Beehive Ballroom, and particularly to Lingfield Point for allowing us to use the venue.

l The St Teresa's Hospice shop in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, received a visit from former Conservative Party leader William Hague to mark three years of trading.

Since it opened, the shop has raised nearly £50,000.

Manageress Marjorie Turner and director Jane Bradshaw were joined by volunteers at the shop to welcome Mr Hague and offer him a slice of birthday cake.