A CHARITY ball to raise funds to give disadvantaged children a Christmas party is to take place later this month.

Wearside-based charity Hope 4 Kidz is to hold its annual Candlelit Christmas Ball at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, on Friday, November 27.

Guests will be welcomed to the black tie ball by a lone piper playing in the castle grounds, before enjoying a classical Christmas reception and four-course meal. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by North East band Quick Return and the Beatroute Disco.

Proceeds from the ball, including money raised from raffles on the night, will help fund Hope 4 Kidz’s annual Christmas party, to be held at Passion nightclub, in Sunderland, in early December.

The party will be attended by more than 300 children from across the North East, who are suffering for an illness, disability, poverty or abuse.

Viv Watts of Hope 4 Kidz said: "The Christmas party is one of the most popular events of the year because it gives the children something to look forward too and a chance to escape their circumstances for the afternoon.

"The Candelit Ball is an essential way of raising funds for this party as well as being an enjoyable evening for all of the guests."

Tickets are priced at £50 each and are available from www.hope4kidz.org.uk or 0191 534 7788.