REVELLERS will be donning their best suits and gowns to help raise £4,000 for two Oxford hospices.

Volunteers are staging a glittering charity ball to raise funds for Helen and Douglas House, in East Oxford.

The event, at Eynsham Hall, near Witney, is the first of its kind. It is being staged on April 20, by Eynsham Friends of Helen & Douglas House.

Eynsham Hall, a Grade II listed Jacobean-style mansion set in 30 acres of parkland in North Leigh, is supplying the venue and staff for free to help raise money for the Helen and Douglas Houses, which care for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.

The evening includes a three course meal and a raffle with prizes including a week's holiday in Italy.

There will also be the opportunity to dance the night away to a live band.

Because of the demand for tickets, the ball's capacity has been increased from 100 guests to 150.

Ricky Parks, chairman of Eynsham Friends of Helen & Douglas House, said: "The generosity of Eynsham Hall is fantastic.

"It not only gives us the opportunity to raise money, but also to raise the profile of the hospice and give people outside Oxford the chance to take part in our on-going aim to raise much needed funds.

Jeremy Wall, general manager of Eynsham Hall, said: "We made a decision a while ago to support Helen & Douglas House as our official charity, so when we were approached we were delighted to offer the venue and food for their first ever dinner and dance.

"We have been amazed at the success of the campaign."

David Pastor, head of fundraising for Helen & Douglas House, said: "The Eynsham Friends of Helen & Douglas House have truly offered their friendship and support to the charity, raising nearly £8,000 in the past 12 months.

"They have involved many different people in their fundraising activities, from local businesses to schools, which has really helped raise awareness of the work that we do.

"Our thanks must also go to everyone at Eynsham Hall, who have shown great generosity in offering their stunning buildings and delightful gardens to the charity on a number of occasions, as well as for this ball."

Helen House was the world's first ever children's hospice, opening in November 1982. Douglas House was opened in February 2004 for young adults aged 16 to 40.

A recent BBC television documentary called The Children of Helen House highlighted the care and support they give to around 250 children and young adults, and their families. Almost £4m is needed each year to keep their work going.

For further information, go to www.eynshamhall.com or call 01993 885200.