AN award-winning chef has offered to cook up a delicious menu in the home of a party of lucky diners to help raise money for St Leonard's Hospice.

Kenny Noble of York's Blue Bicycle restaurant has offered to cook up the feast for four as one of the prizes at the hospice's Sunflower Masquerade Ball on May 25 next year.

The ball is a major fundraising event in the hospice calendar, which last year raised £27,000. Diners will be dancing to Casablanca Boys and there will be a casino and a "Restaurant Tree" with vouchers from hotels and restaurants to be won.

Karen Russell, one of the organisers of the ball, said: "We are thrilled with the offer from the Blue Bicycle, which has also offered lunch vouchers, and we would like to invite as many restaurants as possible to come forward with offers of meals as prizes.

"We have so many restaurants, cafes and coffee houses in York now that we should be able to offer a wonderful selection.

"The ball is a highlight of York's social scene and last year contributed more than £27,000 for the hospice. We rely a lot on the generosity of individuals and companies for sponsorship and prizes, so should like to hear from anyone who can support the Restaurant Tree or offer other kinds of help so that we raise even more money this time."

If you would like to help with any of the vouchers or prizes, or would like information about tickets, ring the Sunflower Masquerade Ball's special number on 0113 298 6159.

Updated: 11:32 Tuesday, October 09, 2001