SOME of the top entertainment names in the Black Country will join the Mayor of Dudley for a special charity evening.

The mayor, Councillor Steve Waltho, is hosting the grand finale to his civic year on May 7 to raise money for his five chosen charities.

Among the entertainers are award-winning comedy outfit The Fizzogs who will be bringing the laughs, while music will be provided by The Empty Can – the band behind the region’s official anthem.

Mayoress Jayne Waltho will also be putting her husband – and special guests – through their paces in a special ‘Mayor Does Strictly’ show, and local singers Chris Passey and Richie Ray will also be performing.

Cllr Waltho said: “This is shaping up to be a fantastic evening and hopefully we can raise some much needed money for charity at the same time.

“We have some of the biggest names in entertainment in the Black Country which promises to be a lot of fun.”

People will also be able to help boost the total for the charities by playing table bingo and other games during the evening, which takes place at The Venue, opposite Top Church in Dudley, from 7pm.

Tickets costing £25 are now on sale, including a three course buffet, with all profits going to the mayor’s charities.

The five chosen charities are The Hope Centre, The What? Centre, More Mascots Please, Leukaemia Unit Appeal Fund, Russells Hall and The West Midlands Lupus Group.

Tickets can be bought online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/mayorofdudleyscharities, or by calling 0333 666 3366.