SOUTH African journalist Donald Woods will be guest of honour at the first ball to be held at Bishopthorpe Palace, home of the Archbishop of York.

The ball is being organised by Learning City York to raise money for two South African educational charities.

Mr Woods, whose story was told in the 1988 film Cry Freedom, escaped from South Africa with his wife and family during apartheid times.

Liz McNeil, Learning City York co-ordinator, said more than 300 people were expected to attend the ball, which was the first to be held at Bishopthorpe Palace.

"We are especially pleased that Donald and Wendy Woods will be with us for this event and that Donald will be our guest speaker," she said.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, is one of the patrons of Learning City York, a partnership of organisations involved in education and training.

The Archbishop is pictured left with South African student Zoleka Moon, who has benefited from one of the charities being supported by the ball.

Her postgraduate studies at the University of York have been supported by the Canon Collins Educational Trust for South Africa.

Money raised for the trust will help with teacher training programmes in South Africa.

Funds raised for the other charity, the Science and Industrial Leadership Initiative, will help with bursaries for young black students to carry on with their learning, particularly in science.

Dr Hope said: "It is a critical time in the development of South Africa and these organisations are undertaking fundamental work in educating young people.

"I do hope local businesses would like to support this event and help make a positive difference to the lives of many young people in South Africa."

Liz said one of the aims of Learning City York was to promote "lifelong learning" and to make links with learning communities in other parts of the world. She said the Diocese of York was also seeking to make links with South Africa.

The event on September 15 will also be attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Sian Braund and other civic dignitaries.

Any businesses wanting to find out more about the event and sponsorship opportunities can contact Liz on 01904 656655 or Margaret Robertson on 01904 673973.