A sports fan's dream weekend is on offer for guests at a glitzy charity ball tonight.

The Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal Celebration Ball takes place at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford.

Guests from all over the country will attend the glittering event to mark the efforts of people from the district who have pushed the £1 million appeal almost to its target.

And up for grabs in an auction is the fabulous grand prize of a Six Nations rugby weekend package in London for two people.

This has been donated by Bradford firm ATM Events and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The weekend includes two nights' accommodation, bed and breakfast at the four-star Marriott Regent's Park Hotel on March 7 and 8.

And the winners will get a pair of tickets to watch England take on Italy in the Six Nations championship on March 9, with fantastic seats at Twickenham.

Paul Wild, managing director of ATM Events, said the companies wanted to boost cancer research through the Bradford Can...Appeal, particularly as the money was going to remain in the city.

Mr Wild said his firm, which organises and provides corporate hospitality and events, had teamed up with the Royal Bank of Scotland's commercial banking team in Bradford to auction the prize because they worked closely together.

Other lots in the auction include a theatre weekend with a night's dinner, bed and breakfast at the Hilton, Bradford, and two tickets to see The Boyfriend at the Alhambra Theatre.

There will also be boxing gloves signed by Bradford boxer Junior Witter, a behind-the-scenes tour of Leeds-Bradford Airport and a round of golf for four people with lunch at Hollins Hall in Baildon.

More fantastic prizes are on offer in the raffle, including ten £50 meal vouchers for Nawaab Restaurant and a child's Mini and truck given by Lister Park Mini.

The Celebration Ball has been sponsored by HSBC and Schofield Sweeney Solicitors.

Hitting the £1 million target will trigger another £5 million from Cancer Research UK.

The cash will go towards drugs research at Bradford University and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The sell-out, black-tie Celebration Ball starts with a bucks fizz reception, followed by a lavish meal, the auction and raffle, then dancing to a band and a DJ.