Here's one ball that rugby fans won't want to pass on this summer.

ABOVE: Jane Rusling, left, and Helen Williams, organisers of the Millennium Sunflower Ball in aid of the St Leonard's Hospice 2000 appeal, with Ross MacLeod, who is modelling an autographed England rugby shirt.

Among the prizes that will be on offer at the Millennium Sunflower Ball at York Racecourse on June 10 will be a shirt signed by the whole England Rugby Union team, who won this year's inaugural Six Nations tournament.

The ball, to raise funds for our Hospice 2000 Appeal, already looks set a sell-out, with all the £55 Fine Dining tickets already sold within weeks of their release.

Now Buffet Supper tickets at £35 each are being made available for guests who will enjoy the live bands, casino, disco, and entertainment in a slightly less formal setting until breakfast at dawn - if they can stay the course.

Organisers have been given the full use of the Knavesmire Stand.

The venue is subject to a televised "designer makeover" for the occasion by BBC 2's Home Front designer and Evening Press columnist Peter Plaskitt, with floral artist Andrew Grisewood.

Their sensational ideas for the stand have attracted the attention of BBC Look North, who will show the progress of the transformation in their Flying Colours series.

Peter Plaskitt said: "This is going to be a major event in York's social calendar and should break records for fundraising in York. The Ball Committee are organising one not to be missed evening."

The prizes already received include the England rugby shirt, provided by BT Cellnet, and a Weekend Super Break worth £250.

Organisers would like to hear from anyone interested in supporting the event with donations, sponsorship or prizes for the tombola, games or Super Draw.

If you can help contact the hospice fundraising centre on 01904 781576 or fax Helen Williams on 01904 728142.

To order tickets for the ball send a cheque for £35 each made out to Sunflower Ball to Helen Williams, Springhouse Farm, New Road, Escrick, York YO19 6EZ.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.