A mayor and mayoress are puckering up for the civic event of the year.

Coun Arthur Dobson, the mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, and his wife Iris will show their appreci-ation for people who attend the mayor's charity Valentine dinner at the Regency Hotel in Redcar. Arthur is pledging a peck for the female guests and Iris will pucker up for the men.

Coun Dobson said: "We want to show our gratitude, so why not give everyone a kiss?"

The charities to benefit are the Ann Charlton Lodge for Multiple Sclerosis in Redcar and the Specialist Oncology Fund Teesside.

Tickets for Saturday's ball cost £15. For more details call Eston Town Hall on (01642) 444501.