'Fantastic' prizes help raise funds

In a bid to help attain a £1m fundraising target, BII will be holding a charity raffle at its annual lunch with the proceeds going to the LTC.

The event - which is sponsored by Sky -

will be held at the Grosvenor House on Tuesday 1 May.

Booklets containing details of the raffle prizes are already being distributed to those who have booked tables or tickets to one of the industry's must-attend events, to drum up interest to ensure that record funds are raised for the LTC.

Prizes have been generously donated by Sky, Fuller Smith & Turner, Marston's, St Austell Brewery, Wadworth, Brulines, Charles Wells Pub Company and the 2006 BII Licensees of the Year - Richard Macey, FBII and Jacque Macey, MBII from the Fountain at Clent, near Stourbridge in Worcestershire.

Last year, guests and attendees of the BII's

annual lunch raised more than £9,000 and the LTC is hoping that this year it will raise even more.

"There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs;" said Liz Gaffer, director of marketing and charity services, "including a trip for two to France, staying at the George & Dragon in Toulouse in the Midi-Pyrénées, as well as a gallon of beer; four tickets to a test match in England in the summer, and two tickets to an English National Opera production.

"The money raised through the raffle will assist colleagues in the industry that have called on us for help.

This year we expect to provide support grants of £1m, so every donation counts. Your support is important in helping those who have nowhere to turn."