PREPARATIONS for a car-themed charity ball in aid of Southampton-based charity Leuk-aemia Busters have gone into overdrive.

The huge fundraiser, taking place at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, next Friday, is to raise thousands of pounds to fund vital research into leukaemia research.

Dubbed the Grand Top Gear Ball, guests at the glittering event will be given a complimentary racing cocktail on arrival before enjoying an evening of motor-themed entertainment.

Auction items going under the hammer will include signed and framed Elvis, Moody Blues and John Lennon albums plus a Halle Berry signed and framed Die Another Day DVD and a Charlton Heston signed and framed Ben Hur DVD.

Derek Warwick's Monaco race overalls and a signed and framed David Beckham Real Madrid shirt will also be going home with guests on the night.

Compered by comedian and former DJ Mike Osman, all proceeds from the ball will go directly to Leukaemia Bus-ters' Cure For All campaign.

The fund is being used to develop new antibody-based drugs for children with incurable forms of leukaemia.

All research is being led by the honorary scientific directors of Leukaemia Busters, Dr David Flavell, and his wife Dr Bee Flavell, who lost their only son, Simon, to the disease 13 years ago.

Dr David Flavell said: "Leukaemia Busters was the first organisation in the country to treat children with relapsed leukaemia with an antibody based drug, and to continue with our vital and potentially life-saving work for our very own children we need to continue raising funds.

"The proceeds from this ball will help us directly in the quest to save young lives."

A few tables are still available for the event. If you or your company would like to take part, contact Leukaemia Busters today on 023 8063 6607 or e-mail nigeli@leukaemiabusters.org.uk