Cricketing legend Imran Khan is batting for this year's Lord Mayor of Bradford's appeal, joining other good sports at a glittering celebrity dinner.

The star has donated a signed miniature cricket bat which will be auctioned off at a sporting legends dinner in Bradford in the New Year.

Other big names from the sporting world such as former Yorkshire and England fast bowler Fred Trueman, former Bradford City footballer John Hendrie and Cleckheaton rugby player John Bentley have all agreed to make an appearance at the top event for free and to donate their own auction lots.

A signed cricket bat by Baildon's Yorkshire Ashes hero Matthew Hoggard will also go under the hammer as part of the evening on Thursday, February 16, at Valley Parade.

Organisers of the Lord Mayor's Appeal - which this year supports the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Bradford's Special Research Burns Unit - said the event was set to be one of the highlights of the city's 2006 calendar. The evening will be close to Fred Trueman's heart because he is patron of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tickets are already being snapped up by sponsors from businesses and organisations all keen to sit next to and talk to all the sporting legends who have agreed to sit at separate top tables.

The stars will also be mingling with guests throughout the evening and taking questions from them in a special question and answer session.

Lord Mayor Councillor Valerie Binney said: "I am so thrilled that these amazing stars are backing our appeal. It means a tremendous amount to people in Bradford.

Coun Binney added: "It will be a fantastic evening and a great opportunity for businesses to entertain top clients while supporting two fantastic local charities. I hope the banqueting suite will be packed."

Tickets for the dinner start from £25 per person.

To find out more about corporate and sponsorship tickets contact Alexis Jenner at the Lord Mayor's Appeal Office, on (01274) 434965 or

alexis.jenner@bradford.gov.uk.