Tickets are selling out fast for a charity ball in aid of Emily Gleghorn who died of cancer when she was just 11 years old.

The ball is being organised by Miss Torbay, Rachael Brown, a close friend of Emily when she was alive, and will take place at Torquay's Riviera International Centre on May 9, the day of Emily's birthday. She would have been 23 years old.

Rachael explained: "I've decided to hold the Ball in memory of my very special school friend Emily. It's a way of saying you're never forgotten and are always in my heart. It's also a way of me being able to say a massive thank you to the charities which looked after Emily and her family at their time of need."

She added: "Tickets have been flying out – it's been crazy but brilliant knowing people want to support the ball. Tickets can still be bought at Sainsburys and the Riviera International Centre but all the rest have sold out.

"Local companies and businesses have been brilliant and the public have also been very generous by donating prizes for the raffle and tombola. It means so much to me that the local community is behind me."

And Rachael said she was especially grateful for help from individuals including Cllr Robert Excell who has raised money by holding table top sales at Torre Conservative Club.

The ball will raise money for two charities, Children's Hospice South West and CLIC Sargent and will be attended by Emily's family.

Entertainment will be provided by The Cadence who will be performing live and also a disco.

Tickets, priced £16, are available from RICC main reception, Sainsbury's the Willows and also from Mike Brown on 01803 617263 or at mikebravo@blueyonder.co.uk

Picture – Rachael Brown holding a picture of her school friend Emily