Two women are staging a ball in aid of charity after the death of a close friend's baby.

Helen Gilert and Penny Summersgill, both 38 and from Oakworth, decided they would raise money to help Women for Women, which tries to improve serious conditions that affect women and their babies.

They have signed up to take part in a 370km gruelling bike ride across Cuba for the charity in November but first they must raise a total of £6,000.

Helen said: "Women for Women is a really good cause that a lot of people out there connect to. Everybody knows somebody who has been affected by pregnancy and birth problems, so we think this is a cause people will want to help us with."

The duo, who are both mothers of two daughters, have a sparkling black tie ball planned in the Hilton Hotel, Bradford, on April 5. A "Champagne and Diamond" event is planned, where ball-goers will be given a diamond upon the purchase of a glass of champagne.

There will be 150 "diamonds" to give away, but only one of them will be worth £1,500, and to find out who has it, the diamond must be taken to a jewellers to find out.Tickets cost £50 and can be bought by calling Helen on 07733 355472 or by e-mailing Penny on penny@esstex.com.