THEY say diamonds are a girl’s best friend and it would certainly appear to be the case with Miss Swindon, Rebecca Cole, modelling a sparkling £2,000 diamond ring.

The ring has been donated by Swindon based jewellers, Deacons, towards this year’s Swindon Charity Ball, which is being held at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday, May 16.

The ring, with a solitaire diamond and set on an 18 carat white gold band, is the main raffle prize at the ball, and which will be drawn at midnight.

“The diamond raffle is one of the main events of the ball,” said organiser, Hadyn Beer.

“We are grateful to Deacons who continue to support the event every year.”

The ball features a five-course dinner, plus a dancing appearance from Strictly Come Dancing's James and Ola Jordan.

Proceeds from the annual event, now in its 21st year, will go towards the NSPCC, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM), and Young Carers Swindon.

Tickets priced at £75 per person can be obtained from Hadyn on 07887 508877 or by emailing hadyn@edwardspartnership.co.uk.