Two top boxers have thrown their weight behind a charity ball by donating their gloves to raise cash.

Bradford boxer Junior Witter, pictured, - the British and Commonwealth Light Welterweight champion - is supporting a Celebration Ball in aid of the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can... Cancer Research Appeal.

Along with WBO Cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson, he has given his gloves to raise extra cash at the ball on Saturday, February 15.

The gloves will be available at the event at the Hilton Hotel, Bradford, through a raffle or an auction.

Bradford athlete Zaf Shah introduced the boxers to the cause and he said Junior, who lives in Undercliffe, hoped to attend the event and Sheffield-based Johnny would also go if he could.

Mr Shah has been supporting the appeal since last year but the cause was brought closer to home when his 52-year-old brother Abid was diagnosed with the disease last September.

He is currently being treated for kidney cancer in Leeds.

Junior and Johnny's gloves will be among several top prizes up for grabs at the ball, which is being sponsored by HSBC and Schofield Sweeney Solicitors.

But more donations are still needed to boost the night even further.

Phillip Clark, manager of HSBC in Market Street, Bradford, said: "As always we are looking for local businesses to support the raffle or the auction.

"Tables are going quickly but there are still a small number of unfilled places, so get in swiftly to enjoy this significant evening."

Firms can also support the event by advertising in the Celebration Ball brochure.

The ball starts at 7pm with a bucks fizz reception and dinner at 8pm. The fundraising auction and raffle will follow and there will be a live band and a DJ. Guests can also have fun at gaming tables.

Bradford Can... Appeal organisers hope to announce reaching the £1 million target at the black tie ball - the last major event of the appeal.

Already £900,000 towards cancer research at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Bradford University has been raised. Once the £1 million target is hit, Cancer Research UK will put another £5 million into the work in Bradford.

Tickets for the glittering Celebration Ball cost £400 for a table of ten or £40 each. To book, give a prize or give a donation, contact Mick Russell at HSBC on (01274) 332332.