THE inaugural “Birdie Ball” which is being staged in memory of a Troon woman is shaping up to be Ayrshire’s premier fundraising formal event of 2017.

It will be the first function of this type to take place in Seamill Hydro’s newly built ball room.

The evening is being held in memory of Troon woman Rhona Clayton on Saturday, March 4 and will feature entertainment and a four-course banquet. MC is Troon’s very own comedian, Billy Kirkwood.

He will introduce The Chrysalis dancers from Troon and master of magic, Graham Dodd. Then Scotland’s own seven-piece big band “The Riffreshers” will play. An auction will see some exclusive sporting memorabilia go under the hammer. All money raised will go towards be donated to Cancer Research UK.

In 2015 more than 2.5million people in the UK had a cancer diagnosis and Rhona (Birdie) Clayton was one of them. A dedicated Mum, wife, sister, daughter, teacher and a wonderful friend to all, her passing had an incredible impact on everyone who met her. She lived in Troon and worked at Dundonald Primary School,

Having already fought and won her battle with cancer in 2012, her family were devastated when we got the news that the cancer had returned in a more aggressive form. On October 19, 2015 she passed away peacefully at home with her family around her.

Left heartbroken but inspired by this remarkable woman her family and friends decided to do something to mark her memory.

A limited number of tickets are still available and donations of raffle prizes are being sought. Email donmacintyre1954@yahoo.co.uk or log onto: www.thebirdieball.co.uk.