BLACKBURN'S Gilbert and Sullivan Society is planning its first Opera Gala Night.

The singers will present 'The Merry Widow' -- and to make it all the merrier there will be loads of extra treats on offer to well-dressed members of the audience who are happy to get in the mood.

Ball gowns or evening dresses and white tie and tails or black tie and dinner dress are requested, and the best-dressed woman and man will each win a bottle of champagne.

Tickets are available at £10 and also include entry into a draw to win a trip to Paris, a programme and coffee and biscuits.

'The Merry Widow' will see the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre transformed into the Pontevedran Embassy in Paris, where His Excellency the Grand Duke is celebrating his 93rd birthday.

The Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society's Opera Gala Night will be staged on March 1. Contact gala co-ordinator Anne Rigby on 01254 873249, evenings only.