A "blockbusting evening" is promised at a glittering ball to celebrate the success of the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Research Appeal.

The black-tie event takes place on Saturday at the Hilton Hotel in Bradford. All 43 tables, each for ten people, have been snapped up.

On the night, the last major event of the appeal, organisers hope to announce they have hit its £1 million target.

Already £900,000 has been raised for investigations into cancer at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Bradford University.

Once the £1 million goal is reached, Cancer Research UK will put another £5 million into the work in Bradford.

At Bradford University, scientists are developing anti-cancer drugs, which are then tested on patients at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The night has been sponsored by HSBC and Bradford firm Schofield Sweeney Solicitors.

Helen Schofield, of Schof-ield Sweeney, said the support for the evening had been overwhelming.

"Everybody we have spoken to, if they cannot come, they have given a donation," she said.

"Companies have been very generous in giving raffle and auction prizes.

"It's going to be a blockbuster and we will definitely be celebrating what Bradford has done.

"It's going to be a night to remember."

Philip Clarke, manager of HSBC at Market Street, Bradford, said the success of this event was down to the reputation of previous balls and the hard work of organisers.

"It's been a great success and everybody is looking forward to a first class night," he said.

Among the supporters have been Bradford boxer Junior Witter, who is the British and Common-wealth Light Welterweight champion.

He and WBO Cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson have given their gloves to raise extra cash at the ball.

The night starts at 7pm with a bucks fizz reception, followed by dinner at 8pm. Then there will be a fundraising auction and raffle with prizes up for grabs.

Guests can dance to a live band and DJ or try their luck at gaming tables.