ELVIS Presley tribute artist Sal Bashir will be the main attraction next Friday (June 12) when businesses from across the county raise funds for Deafblind UK at a Rock n Roll summer ball in Huntingdon. Each year the event, organised by Cambridgeshire Cham

ELVIS Presley tribute artist Sal Bashir will be the main attraction next Friday (June 12) when businesses from across the county raise funds for Deafblind UK at a Rock n Roll summer ball in Huntingdon.

Each year the event, organised by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, raises much-needed cash for a local charity and this year it is the turn of the Peterborough-based organisation which offers specialist services and support to deafblind people and those who have progressive sight and hearing loss.

But this year's ball will be a little more up-tempo than in recent years, with 'Elvis' on hand to don his black leather jacket and blue suede shoes to get everyone in the mood to party and give generously in a charity raffle.

Kate Coles, community fundraiser for Deafblind UK, said: "Being nominated the chambers' charity of the year is an absolute honour in itself but some of the ways in which businesses are raising money for us are just absolutely wonderful! I have been on Sal's website and he looks amazing."

Award-winning Sal has performed in front of over 10 million viewers of BBC's Test the Nation and The World's Greatest Elvis in 2008. He consistently pulls in the crowds at Spiceland, the Indian buffet restaurant at Sawtry, where the monthly Elvis theme nights are a regular sell-out.

Katie Hart, chairman of Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This year's event has taken a step away from the traditional black-tie affair we've opted for in the past, but it's proving so popular we've even had to put on a coach from Peterborough. It's always a bonus when we're able to put on events that benefit not just the local business community but also our charity partners.

"As it will be such a great night out, the ball is also appealing to businesses who want to recognise and reward staff for their the achievements and hard work, which just goes to show that local companies are still willing to put their money where their mouth is - whatever the economic climate."

INFORMATION: Tickets (�50 or �450 for a table of 10, plus VAT) are available from Maria Briggs on 01223 237414 or e-mail m.briggs@cambscci.co.uk. The event, at the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel, begins at 7.30pm.