THE annual Ardgowan Hospice Ball is rolling along next month — and it’s hoped thousands of pounds will be raised at the big bash.

It is being organised as usual by Greenockian Brian Clements of McTear’s Auctioneers, who has lined up a cracking catalogue of items which will go under the hammer.

Brian, a member of the hospice events committee, promises an amazing auction at this year’s gala.

He said: “It includes some ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, such as a golf three-ball at Loch Lomond Golf Club and a day with food and drinks on the yacht Iota.

“There is a spa day for four at the sumptuous Mar Hall hotel and spa, hospitality at Greenock Morton, hospitality at Celtic Park with chauffeur transfer to the match, tickets to Kevin Bridges, above, at the SSE Hydro in October, with dinner and an overnight stay in a Glasgow hotel, as well as some fantastic original artwork.

“There is also a free to enter, for guests, ‘higher and lower’ game based on the Bruce Forsyth ‘Play Your Cards Right’ TV show.

“The prize is a day for six on Loch Lomond on board Beau Jangles, including lunch in a lochside restaurant.

“Beau Jangles is the luxury motor yacht moored adjacent to the golf course, and is a favourite with the rich and famous members of the exclusive club.” Also up for grabs during the event is a two week stay for 10 guests in a luxury villa in Orlando, Florida.

It boasts five en suite bedrooms, a games room, private pool and is situated near a golf course.

Golf fans will also be keen to bag a beautiful pair of framed limited edition prints of St Andrews Golf Club, the home of this year’s Open Championship.

Brian, who has been auctioning at local charity dinners and balls for more than 10 years, said: “The auctions are always such a great source of income for each charity — in fact in most cases the biggest ‘earner’ on the evening. I always help where I can in sourcing auction prizes for the events.” A total of £25,000 was raised for the hospice at last year’s ball. This year’s will be on 7 March in Greenock Town Hall.

Entertainment will be provided by The Riffreshers, and the Senit Foundation charity have made a donation to pay for the band.

Hospice chief executive Anne Mills said a few tables are still available.

She said: “Every penny raised in Inverclyde for the hospice stays in Inverclyde and goes directly to patient care.” Ticket inquiries should be made by calling hospice community development officer Elaine McNeill on 558899.