Party animals in Bradford are being urged to raise their glasses and sing their hearts out for the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

A Beaujolais bash and a karaoke competition will raise funds for Lord Mayor, Councillor Stanley King's Brain Wave appeal, which supports the neurology units at St Luke's and Airedale General hospitals.

The departments provide essential care and rehabilitation for patients suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.

The party night will begin with a celebration of Beaujolais Nouveau on Thursday, November 16, at Bradford's Life Force centre in Forster Square at 5.30pm followed by a cash prize karaoke competition at Pennington's Variety Club, Manningham Lane. Later that night Coun King will switch on the Christmas lights in the city.

Craig Burton, managing director of The Works recruitment company in Peckover Street, Little Germany, said: "It should be a good night.

"I've been to Beaujolais breakfasts before and I thought it would be a good idea to organise a night in Bradford."

The wine is being given by the new Asda store in Bierley, Bradford.

John Pennington, owner of Pennington's Variety Club, said: "Contestants will be judged by a panel of professional industry judges - and who knows someone could be discovered."

Tickets cost £2 before 9.30pm and £4 on the door.

Tickets for the Beaujolais night are available from The Works on Bradford 307377. Anyone interested in organising an event can contact the appeal office of Bradford 754965.