THERE's a chance to dress up to the nines, dance and raise money for two local good causes in West Devon later this month.

A 'black tie' ball is being held at Princetown Village Centre on November 20, in support of the village pre-school, and the South West Equine Protection and Help for Heroes charities.

Guests will be welcomed at the door with a glass of Bucks Fizz and announced into the hall by a Master of Ceremonies.

A bar will be set up in the small hall at sensible prices by new local event bar Moor Spirit, who are donating proceeds back to the pre-school in return for the opportunity to run their first large event.

Each table will have its first bottles of wine provided and the three-course meal will be prepared by two chefs borrowed for the evening from top local restaurants.

Live music will be provided by 'Fairplay' and there will be an auction/raffle to add to the fun and funds.

Local photographer Mike Kinsey will have a studio set up in the foyer to picture the arriving people in all their finery for a really special photo.

He will also be available during the day, and appointments are being taken from between 11am and 5pm for child/family group photos which could make ideal Christmas presents.

Mike is donating his time for the day, and all profits will be donated to the event.

For ticket enquiries or to donate a prize, contact Karen on 890844.

Everyone is familiar with the good work Help for Heroes do, but may be less so with Princetown-based charity South West Equine Protection, which pursues all aspects of equine welfare, from road casualties to cruelty.

Adele Cassidy, who works with the charity said: 'We currently have around 300 horses and ponies.

'When they come to us we give them the care they need, and then rehome them, on loan, to good homes. Unfortunately, there is always more work to do than we can afford, and the recession is unlikely to improve matters.

'So the support of the Princetown Ball is fantastic.'

Anyone who would like to make a donation to SWEP can go to http://www.swep.org.uk">www.swep.org.uk for more information.