Mini auctioned for charity

A new Mini Cooper Mayfair worth 18,500 will be the star prize at a charity auction next month.

The London Press Club Ball takes place on Thursday, October 15, at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London. Proceeds from the event will go to Journalists' Charity, which provides journalists in need with grants and other financial assistance.

BBC Breakfast presenter Kate Silverton is hosting the event, which has 'austerity' as its theme. James Braxton of BBC's Bargain Hunt is conducting the auction at the Ball, which is now in its fifth year.

Barclays and Camelot are the major sponsors and the ball patron is Sly Bailey, chief executive of Trinity Mirror newspaper group. Key supporters include Associated Newspapers, News International, Telegraph Group, the Guardian, and Mirror Group.

The show must go on
London Press Club Ball chairman Philippa Kennedy, OBE, said: 'With the gloomy financial situation, we thought the theme for this year's press ball should be 'austerity'. That's why we moved to The Brewery, cut a few frills and chopped the prices but we're still going to have a great evening.'

For more information, go to www.the pressball.com.