The Mayor of Southwark's Ball

This event has moved to the Hilton London Docklands in Rotherhithe due to flooding in Tooley Street

Southwark residents have the chance to rub shoulders with local celebrities and help make a difference in the fight against Diabetes at the Mayor of Southwark's charity ball.

Former Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell, who is also the mother of X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, will be among the famous faces at the 2009 ball.

Melissa Suffield, better known as EastEnders' Lucy Beale, Dr Jonty Heaversedge of the BBC's Street Doctor series, Celebrity DJ coach Fenton Gee and singer-songwriter Shane Board will also be hoping to raise money for Diabetes UK.

The self-funding black tie fundraiser kicks off with a drinks reception at 7pm and will include a raffle and "affordable" auction - as well as three course meal, live entertainment and a live band with dancing.

With diabetes on the rise in Southwark, and early diagnosis the key to fighting the condition, the Mayor is hoping to raise money to ensure as many residents as possible have access to check-ups.

The stars all have a personal connection to the issue: Melissa Bell suffers with chronic diabetes and is currently on a waiting list to have a liver and kidney transplant after her kidneys failed due to her illness and Fenton Gee and Shane Board are both type 1 diabetics.

The newly appointed President of Diabetes UK Richard Lane, who has received breakthrough treatment at King's College Hospital and Dr Carol Gayle of King's College Diabetes Department are also attending the event.

Tickets are available by emailing [email protected]