IT will soon be time to get your glad rags on and dress to impress as Ferne Animal Sanctuary near Chard prepares to celebrate the highlight of its 75th anniversary year.

A commemorative Ball will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Woodlands Castle in Ruishton in Taunton and tickets are selling well.

Nanette Wale, chairman of trustees at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “The Duchess of Hamilton, a great animal lover, started the Sanctuary in the dark days at the beginning of the Second World War in 1939.

“We’ve chosen to commemorate the work that she began - and that is still carrying on 75 years later - with an Anniversary Ball.”

The event promises to be one to remember, with surprises throughout the evening. In addition, a Grand Draw will be taking place with the first prize being a whopping £1,000 kindly donated by Acheson Construction.

Somerset Photographic will be in attendance with their portable photography studio taking professional portraits on the night as lasting memories of such a momentous occasion.

There will also be a table magician, a disco and dancing to AJ’s Caravan Band.

Tickets are priced £50 each which includes a three-course meal with wine. Tables of ten are discounted to £450.

Mrs Wale added: “This is going to be a very special evening. Ferne have an enormous amount of supporters and it will be fabulous to spend the evening celebrating with as many of them as possible.”

Tickets for the Ball and Grand Draw are on sale at the Sanctuary or by calling Ferne on 01460-65214 or visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org.

PHOTO: Head of external funding at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Jenny Wheadon.