One of the most evil characters to ever reach our screens is back with a vengeance. But beware, because Cruella DeVil is coming to Oxford first, determined to convince the audience she has changed her spots for good, writes Katherine MacAlister.

Oxford has been chosen to preview the exclusive first screening of 102 Dalmations, Disney's sequel to the famous children's cartoon, to raise money for the Guide Dogs For The Blind Association.

The Oxford connection with the film doesn't end there. A number of sequences were shot inside Oxford's famous Prison.

And if you thought you had seen the last of Cruella, the evil vamp, three years ago when she was sent to prison for dognapping Dalmations, then think again.

Having undergone Dr Pavlov's pioneering behaviour control therapy behind bars, the psychologist is convinced that Cruella is a reformed character and should be released. He even manages to convince the courts to release her from prison!

She then wins over everyone except her old adversary, dog loving probation officer, Chloe Evans, who isn't taken in for a second.

And even when Cruella buys the failing Second Chance Dog Home in a blaze publicity, there is no proof that she is up to her old tricks. Then Chloe's fiance, who works at the home, is arrested for stealing Dalmation puppies and Chloe accepts that her suspicions were misplaced.

That is until Chloe's own Dalmation puppies go missing and Cruella forms a friendship with French fashion furrier Jean Pierre Le Pelt.

But will Chloe rescue her puppies in time and will her fiance manage to clear his name?

Charity fundraising development manager Peter Friend, says the canine film is a great opportunity to raise money for the charity and educate children about its work.

He says: "102 Dalmations is a wonderful film, which I'm sure will capture the imagination of youngsters. We are delighted to have this fantastic opportunity to host the exclusive UK preview, and hope that children will not only be entertained but leave the cinema with a greater understanding of the charity's work."

Tickets cost 5 for both adults and children and can be purchased using credit card by phoning the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association box office on 0118 9838245, open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, or by sending a cheque, payable to The Guide Dogs For The Blind Association, to Guide Dogs Box Office, Fundraising Dept,

Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG.

Cheques must arrive no later than Friday November 24 and tickets will be sold on a first-come-first served basis.