A CHARITY will celebrate 100 years of helping the blind and partially sighted people with a special event next month.

The Dorset Blind Association (DBA) centenary ball takes place at Bournemouth’s Hilton Hotel on Saturday, October 13, and includes a three-course dinner and dancing to a big band, plus a raffle, auction and casino.

The charity was founded in 1918 and patrons include actor and writer Julian Fellowes and his wife Emma along with BAFTA winning film director Stephen Frears.

DBA chief executive Jonathan Holyhead described the event as “a chance to say a big thank you to the many people who have helped us over the years.”

He said: “It is also an important fundraising event. We are not funded by the government or Royal National Institute of Blind People so 100 per cent of what we do needs to be supported through fundraising.”

DBA, originally called Dorsetshire County Association for the care of the Blind (DCAB), was founded in 1918 which coincided with veterans returning from the First World War who sustained injuries affecting their sight.

Last year the DBA opened its first charity shop in Ferndown and was also awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

Tickets for the ball cost £60 per person or £600 for a table of 10. Contact Helena for more information on 01202 712868 or helena@dorsetblind.org.uk.