Fashion making news.

BUSINESSES throughout the Midlands are being urged to back one of Birmingham's biggest social events of the year - the Annual Press Ball.

The call goes out as the event, sponsored by East Midlands Airport, is restyled the Midlands Press Ball to reflect increasing interest from East Midlands media in the activities of the world's oldest press club.

The event - with A Night of Elegance theme - takes place at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, in Birmingham city centre, on Friday, October 23.

Press Club chairman John Lamb said: "We hope to welcome a strong contingent from the East Midlands at the ball - one of our social highlights of the year - especially as we have the continued backing of East Midlands Airport.

"We are also very pleased to confirm further sponsorship support for the ball from Barclays Bank, another of the press club's long-standing allies.

"With the challenging economic outlook at the moment, we thought we would try to introduce a theme which would give people an excuse to have a good night out. So we'll even have a special prize for the most elegantly dressed couple of the night."

Penny Coates, managing director of East Midlands Airport, said: "We're very proud of our long association with the press club. East Midlands Airport serves businesses and individuals from across the Midlands."

For ticket information *and bookings, contact Melissa Dickinson on 0845 209 1131 or email [e-mail]

CAPTION(S):

Elegant: (From left) ball compere Ed James, Karen Dodd, of Barclays, Melissa Dickinson and Llewela Bailey, both press club.