For the first time, three centres looking after the interests of carers are hosting a fundraising gala dinner dance.

The Orangery at Blenheim Palace is the setting for the 75-a-head evening on Friday, March 16, at 7pm.

There will be a four-course dinner prepared by celebrity chef Tony Tobin of BBC TV's Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready Steady Cook.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the work of the centres in Oxford, Didcot and Banbury.

Kate Oliver, manager of South and Vale Carers' Centre, Didcot, said: "We depend on voluntary donations - usually from collections and table-top sales - to fund more than half the £400,000-a-year it costs to maintain the three Oxfordshire centres."

The Torex Foundation, based at Stonesfield, is the major sponsor.

Tickets for the ball cost £75 each or 650 for a table of ten and are available from Stephanie Oliver on 01280 704815.