The Telegraph & Argus's South Asia quake appeal is set to receive a massive boost from a gala dinner at the Midland Hotel.

Organisers of the huge charity dinner say they hope to raise around £25,000 at the event on Sunday, December 4.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe and Omar Khan, owner of Omar Khan's restaurant on Little Horton Lane, have co-organised the dinner and charity auction, to bolster the T&A's appeal to help provide aid and support to the regions in Pakistan that were devastated by the earthquake in October.

More than 300 people from all walks of Bradford life will attend the dinner and take part in an auction that will run afterwards to raise more funds for the appeal.

Mr Khan said: "The support that we have had has been fantastic. All I had to do was make a few phone calls and that was it. People have really come out to back the dinner.

"I decided to donate it to the T&A's appeal because I think the T&A has done a great job in helping to raise money for the area and in helping to bring the communities of Bradford together. It has brought people together as one to help the region."

Among those who have agreed to attend the dinner are Julian Rhodes, chief executive of Bradford City FC, Bob Stott, chief executive of Morrisons and Ed Anderson, managing director of Leeds Bradford International Airport. There will also be a raffle held at the dinner. Among the prizes available are a visit to the House of Commons with Gerry Sutcliffe, a box for 12 at a Bradford City football game and a day out with Bradford Police.

A meal for two are the Old Tramshed Bar in Saltaire and a meal for two at Omar Khan's will be among items to be auctioned.

A message of support from the Prime Minister Tony Blair will also be read out.

The T&A's quake appeal is currently topping £35,000 after a series of massive donations from across the Bradford community.

Mr Khan urged people who have not yet bought tickets to continue to donate prizes. He said: "I would say to people to please donate prizes as it would be very helpful for the dinner."

To buy a ticket, contact Gerry Sutcliffe's office on (01274) 400007.