A former junior minister is set to attend the Mayor's annual charity ball fundraiser.

Lord Tom McNally, former Minister of State for Justice and former chairman of the Youth Justice Board, is set to speak at the Mayor's Civic Ball on Friday.

The event will raise money for Youth Talk, a small charity which provides counselling and emotional support for young people in distress.

The Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Mohammad Iqbal Zia, said: “The Civic Ball offers a great opportunity to have an enjoyable evening while also helping to raise funds for a worthy cause.

"Youth Talk provides a much-needed confidential counselling and support service for young people. The charity holds a place close to my heart as it works tirelessly to help young people with social, emotional and educational needs."

The ball takes place on March 9 at Sopwell House in Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, from 6.45pm, and guests will be treated to an Asian cuisine-influenced three-course dinner and Bollywood-style dance performance.

Youth Talk’s chief executive, Trevor Fromant, added: “Youth Talk is a small, local charity that is dependent on grants and the generosity of donors to deliver its services.

"We are grateful to the Mayor for agreeing to donate any funds raised from the Civic Ball to us. The charity provides a much-valued counselling service for young people who are in need of support emotionally."

The event will also include a raffle and tombola to raise funds, and tickets cost £55 each and are available from the Mayor's office.

Contact mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk or call 01727 819544 to purchase a ticket.