Diamonds forever at awards do

A stunning black diamond necklace will be given out as the top raffle prize at this year's dazzling Best of the Black Country Awards, which celebrate the best of the region's businesses.

Now in its sixth year, the awards programme has become established as the most prestigious event in the local business calendar, designed to celebrate the best companies, products and services that the region has to offer.

Around 450 people from the business world are set to flock to this year's event, at Wolverhampton Racecourse on November 15.

A charity raffle will be held on the night, raising cash for Walsall-based Acorns Children's Hospice.

John Henn, of TA Henn, has donated a natural black diamond necklace worth £800 to be handed out to one lucky raffle winner.

Bottles of champagne and a hot air balloon flight courtesy of Virgin Balloon Flights will also be given away.

Record numbers of businesses put their names forward for the chance of being handed an accolade at this year's event, which is organised by the Express & Star and backed by a number of sponsors.

A few tables are still available for the black-tie celebrations. A table with 10 places costs £650 and includes a bucks fizz reception, dinner and live entertainment.

Bookings can be made via the website www.bestoftheblackcountry.co.uk or by calling 01902 319351.

The event is supported by the Bank of Scotland Corporate as lead sponsor, as well as Advantage West Midlands, ntl:Telewest business, BDO Stoy Hayward, Learning and Skills Council, Precision Colour Printing and, for the first time, Higgs & Sons.

ITV Central is backing the awards as media partner, and news presenter Jo Malin will be hosting the awards ceremony on the night.

The governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, endorsed the competition when, as keynote speaker at last year's black-tie awards evening, he addressed the 500-strong audience, following on the heels of Lord Sebastian Coe in 2005.