COMEDIENNE Victoria Wood is inviting women executives from across the North West to come and dine with her but not just for a laugh.

Parties of ladies and their partners can see Britain's queen of comedy at the Palace Hotel, Manchester on September 25.

Victoria, who has just made a new BBC TV sitcom "Dinner Ladies", will present her one-woman cabaret show at a lavish dinner to raise funds for the £25 million Christie's Against Cancer appeal.

Angela Roden, director of appeals, said: "We are specifically writing to women executives and directors' wives to bring friends and partners.

"Victoria's comedy and whimsical approach to life have universal appeal so we are certain it will not be a ladies-only night and nor would we wish it to be."

Places are available at £200 each or £2,000 per table of ten. Prizes include a Tradewinds holiday in Hong Kong and Thailand which will be auctioned by Tim Wonnacott of TV's The Antique's Roadshow.

All proceeds will go towards the appeal which aims to bring about unprecedented advances in cancer research, treatment and care by the Christie Hospital's centenary in 2001.

Fans can call 0161 446 3400 for more details.

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