SWINDON-BASED business Wasdell will be the sole sponsor of this year's Charity Ball.

The specialist manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical and nutritional industries has backed the 31st annual gala event which is partnered with the Marriott Hotel and Swindon Advertiser.

This year's theme is Putting on the Ritz and will be held at the Marriott on Saturday May 16. Organisers hope that the Rotary Club of Swindon's event will bring to the total raised for good causes to more than £1 million.

Charity Ball chairman Rob Gillespie said: "The committee is thrilled to have secured a sole sponsor. Wasdell have been extraordinarily generous in supporting this.

“It’s really appreciated that a local, family-run company is keen to give back to the community in which it is based.

"It is another demonstration of tremendous generosity from within Swindon’s business community. This means that all the proceeds from ticket sales, auction and raffles will go straight to the charities.”

Last year the ball raised £16,800 for good causes including the Harbour Project, STEP, Hreod Burna Urban Forest, Wiltshire Search & Rescue, Friends of TWIGS, Big Breakfast Plus, the 12th Swindon Scout Group and Swindon & District Samaritans.This year, proceeds from the night will go to the Swindon Night Shelter and The Open Door Centre.

The Night Shelter offers a hot meal, shower and a bed for the night to people who are homeless or vulnerable. The Open Door Centre exists to make a positive difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities, so its members can achieve their highest potential.

Chairman of the Wasdell Group Martin Tedham said: "The company is very pleased to be able to support an event that helps many local people in need.

“As a local company we believe part of our role is to extend help to those vulnerable people who may not be lucky enough to be able to work at the moment.

“The Rotary Ball is a highly successful event that is not only great fun, but is very efficient in raising funds for organisations that can make a real difference to those in need. We are delighted to be able to help them achieve this objective this year.”

Backed by Newsquest Media Group, the Adver's parent company, the charity ball has established itself as one of the biggest fundraisers in the area.

All tables have already been taken, but businesses can still donate prizes for raffles if they have been unable to secure a table for the night.

For more information, contact Sue Frawley on charityball-swindon@outlook.com or Debbie Vincent on rotarydebbie@aol.com.