bidding is now open to buy a spectacular piece of sporting memorabilia, all in the name of charity.

The Okehampton Starlight Ladies have again been hard at work organising a masked summer ball to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The formal ball will take place at Okehampton Showground on Friday, August 9, the day after Okehampton Show. The team organised a Petals and Pimms Ball in 2011, raising a staggering £7,800 for the cancer charity.

Part of the event will be a silent auction, and among the lots will be a football signed by 14 members of the current Manchester United squad, including former England international Rio Ferdinand and young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez.

Bidding on the item has opened early for those who cannot attend the ball so as to raise as much money as possible.

To place a bid in advance of the ball, e-mail your bids by August 8 to [email protected]">[email protected] For more details on how to get tickets or if you would like to help in any way, contact Wendy Raymond on [email protected]">[email protected] or 07909 987485.