One of the highlight social events on Norfolk's calendar will be boosting a team of lifesaving volunteers.

The annual Norfolk Show Ball will be held on Friday, June 24 at the Norfolk Showground and will be hosted by the Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS).

As well as raising funds for the team, which has responded to more than 400 emergency calls this year, it is hoped the event will raise the profile of NARS, which relies entirely upon the goodwill of individuals and businesses for funding.

Barry Hart has been a critical care paramedic with NARS for more than 20 years and has responded to more than 1,000 incidents during that time.

He said: 'For many, many years, NARS worked as a service in the background, helping people at times of emergency, but the public knew little about the work we did.

'The Norfolk Show Ball is a great opportunity for us to raise our profile and awareness, hopefully raise funds and demonstrate the value of the service that NARS provides.'

Lord Russell Baker of Little Moulton is a patron of NARS.

He said 'We are delighted that NARS are involved with the Norfolk Show Ball 2016. We are planning what should be a wonderful and memorable evening, with a wide variety of musical and other entertainment.

'I am sure we can count on the generosity and kind nature of the people of Norfolk to come out and support us. We still need Norfolk-based businesses, and influential business individuals to come forward to discuss sponsorship of this prestigious event.'

'Sponsorship is a vital component of the finances for the evening and we are looking for a headline sponsor and smaller sponsors to discuss the business advantages of sponsorship at the NARS Norfolk Show Ball 2016.

'The ball is attended by some of the most influential business leaders in Norfolk, so there is much to gain through sponsorship at this event.

'There will be an iPad auction and table raffle and dancing to a live band until 1am. We expect a strong demand for tickets and would encourage people to book their tables early.'

The ball takes place a week before the Royal Norfolk Show.

Tickets are £75 and tables can be booked for parties of eight, 10 or 12. Email bookings@softleyevents.co.uk or call 01603 757658.