A GROUP of friends are arranging a spectacular ball to raise thousands for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Organisers of the annual Rossendale charity ball are hoping for their most successful year to date in a bid to boost their £127,000 total.

The group first got together when Maria Stansfield's sister Carmelina Robertson died, aged 38, from breast cancer six years ago and they began raising money.

The first year saw a male stripper evening at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall and since then several Valentine's events have been hosted at the Dunkenhalgh, Clayton-le-Moors, which is where this year's ball will be held.

Carmelina, was originally from Burnley and was a pupil at St Hilda's RC High School.

She moved to Scotland after marrying former Burnley footballer Stuart Robertson.

Maria, from Waingate Road, Rawtenstall, enlisted the help of friends to help organise the fund-raisers.

Because of the large amount of money raised, Maria, has been invited to meet HRH Prince Charles on two occasions, in his role as the patron of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The committee, who started organising the balls six years ago, have raised more money than any other voluntary group for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, since they formed.

Friend and fellow organiser Gwenn Kennedy, said: "So far, we have raised nearly £130,000 which we are really proud of. It's hard work organising the event but everybody always has so much fun and we always raise a lot of money."

This year's event is on February 7 at 7.30pm and all tickets have already been sold.

Organisers have invited Manchester United and England star Phil Neville, who will be relying on the talents of his father, Neville Neville, as the evening's auctioneer, to help boost funds. The night includes a gourmet meal and live music.