A GLAMOROUS new summer ball for all of Dunmow has been planned by a team of dedicated fundraisers.

Dunmow Summer Ball, the first of its kind, will take place at Foakes Hall on June 15 to raise money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and the British Heart Foundation.

A special four-course dinner will be held at the start of the black-tie event, where lounge suits can also be worn, before a performance from Archive, a band from London who have released nine studio albums.

Kay Puddick, organiser of the summer ball, said: “This is going to be a great night for everyone in Dunmow and we are hoping to turn this into an annual tradition.

“We have all sorts of exciting ideas for the night but for this year there won’t be a theme- so everyone can come as whatever they want, as long as it’s smart.

“I’ve been involved in similar events before and they are great fun. The fact the money is going to charity makes it even more special.”

The two charities chosen have a deep and personal meaning to the event organisers.

Ten years ago Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer and has since had both breasts removed and gone under the knife 43 times.

She received extensive support from the charity and remains thankful for the care she received.

Co-organiser Loretta Champion has a deep connection to the British Heart Foundation after her son Joshua, now 14, was born with a hole in his heart.

Joshua, a pupil at the Helena Romanes School, had open heart surgery aged 18 months but now lives a relatively normal life- with a check up once a year.

To buy tickets, which cost £40 per person, contact Kay on 07970 498 950.

If you are a local business interested in making a donation to the charity auction contact the same number.