CHARITIES have until the end of the week to submit applications for this year’s Swindon Rotary Club charity ball.

Local good causes in need of funds are being asked to put in their requests to receive grants from money raised on the night before the deadline this Friday.

The theme for this year’s ball is Shanghai Nights after a colourful Bollywood-themed event last May raised raised more than £100,000 for the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal.

The annual ball, which this year celebrates its thirtieth birthday, has raised more than £870,000 since it began.

Debbie Vincent, a member of the Rotary Club charity ball committee, said: “The room always looks fabulous, and the people that attend make the ball what it is. That’s always very important to us.

“For every charity we help, we all do make a difference and that’s what we’re all about.

“We’ve raised an amazing amount of money over the years and I’m very proud to be part of it.

She added: “Usually by Christmas we’re well and truly on the way. We’re definitely on track for it to be another successful year and we’re all working hard to make sure it is.”

“Whatever is raised it makes a difference, and we’re just grateful to everybody who donates, sponsors, and provides raffle prizes.”

The organisers invite local businesses to buy tables for the event through the Rotary Club website, and asks for donations of prizes to be sold in the raffle, and for sponsorship.

The ball is staged by the club with the help of the Swindon Advertiser and the Marriott Hotel.

Forms can be requested from the organising team secretary Sue Frawley at charityball-swindon@outlook.com. The closing date for applications is November 9 2018.

It will be held in April next year at the Marriott Hotel on Pipers Way.