Norfolk's lifesaving service in the sky has helped thousands of sick and injured people in the past decade, and this month people can join the East Anglian Air Ambulance in marking its 10th anniversary at a glittering ball.

The charity's Grand Ball will take place at the Norfolk Showground on Saturday, October 9, and it will be a chance for people to enjoy a glamourous night out while also raising money for this vital emergency service that receives no direct government funding.

Simon Gray, chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), said: 'It has been an incredible anniversary year for us, and the ball is a celebration of what we have achieved over the 10 years and the lives we have saved. It is a celebration of what our doctors, paramedics and pilots do every day.

'The last few tickets for the ball are still available so please come along and join our celebration.'

Mr Gray said the ball was going to be a wonderful night full of good food and great entertainment - and a few surprises to delight ball-goers.

There will be a four-course meal cooked by award-winning chef Stephen David from The Crown in Woodbridge.

The dessert will be Madeira Surprise - the culinary creation of retired Sheringham entertainer Ken Jackson who won the EAAA pudding competition this year and whose recipe features in the air ambulance's new Pie in the Sky cookbook alongside recipes from well known faces such as The Hairy Bikers, Amanda Holden and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

There will be entertainment by the Lee Vasey Big Band, a top London cabaret, and an auction in which one of the items people can bid for is an original oil painting of an air ambulance rescue painted by Suffolk artist David Porteous-Butler.

Despite receiving no direct government funding, the EAAA operates two air ambulances, 365 days per year, across Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It costs �3.5 million per year to keep the air ambulances flying and to supply the advanced clinical equipment they carry.

For more information about the EAAA contact the charity on 0845 066 9999 or visit www.eaaa.org.uk.

t The ball starts at 7pm on Saturday, October 9 at the Norfolk Showground.

Tickets cost �65 each or �600 for a table of 10 people. This includes a sparkling wine reception and a four course meal. To book tickets visit www.eaaa.org.uk, call Pip Duffy on 07515 629614 or email pip.duffy@eastanglianairambulance.org.uk

t Are you doing something amazing for charity? Call reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk