PEOPLE throughout Kent are being asked to support the Black Tie and Diamonds Kent Ball being held in November to raise money for Demelza House Children's Hospice near Sittingbourne.

All the tickets for the ball, organised by the Kent Messenger and the Hop Farm Country Park at Beltring, were sold out shortly after going on sale.

But now the search is on for top class prizes that can be raffled or auctioned at the ball being held at the hop farm on Saturday, November 15.

The list of prizes and their donors will be published in the KM so that people unable to get to the ball will still be able to bid and help the hospice.

The aim of the event is to raise £10,000 for the hospice. It provides terminal and respite care for families and children unlikely to reach adulthood. It needs £1.9 million a year to operate, all of which comes from charitable donations.

Caroline Brinkman, the KM's Group development manager, said: "We are making a county wide appeal for businesses and individuals to donate prizes which will help us hit our target.

"This is a very special charity. It's the only hospice in Kent dedicated specifically to the needs of terminally ill children and it needs our help."

Donations can be made direct to Demelza House on 01795 845228. To discuss any prize donation please contact Hollie Eastwood on 01622 870809 or email hollie@thehopfarm.co.uk