A gala fundraising dinner which was cancelled earlier this year because of foot and mouth restrictions has been rescheduled.

Tickets are now on sale for the Oxfordshire Carers Centres event which will take place at The Orangery, Blenheim Palace, on Friday, October 26, from 7pm to midnight.

Money raised will help fund and promote the group's centres in Oxford, Banbury and Didcot.

Staff at the centres are on hand to offer advice and support to people who dedicate their lives to caring for a loved one.

The gala evening will feature a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal prepared by Pat Watson, The Orangery's head chef.

There will be a raffle, which includes a holiday for two in Portugal as one of the main prizes.

One of the highlights of the evening will be an after dinner talk by the creator of Inspector Morse, Colin Dexter.

Kate Oliver, centre manager for the South and Vale Carers Centre, Didcot, said: "It was terribly disappointing to have to postpone the event in March.

"But everyone who had offered support has been exceptionally helpful and this has helped us get our fundraising evening back on track.

"It is very important that carers in the community know that we are here to offer help, advice and support should they feel that things are becoming a bit too much for them.

"The money raised from the evening will be used to promote the centres and the services they offer."

Her daughter, Stephanie, who is organising the event, added: "We are very pleased that Colin Dexter will be joining us. The evening will include music and dance and the entertainment will be provided by local musician John Whealan and his band."

Several companies have provided support for the evening. The Torex Group, based in Stonesfield, is the main sponsor.

Additional support has come from the Faccenda Group and the Duke of Marlborough.

Tickets costs £50 per person or £450 for a table of ten.

They can be booked now by calling 01235 510212.