The owner of Ilkley’s Box Tree restaurant is to welcome Yorkshire-born opera star and NSPCC ambassador Lesley Garrett back to her home county for a charity ball next month.

Rena Gueller, who runs the restaurant with chef husband, Simon, has invited the top soprano to perform for 450 guests at The White Rose Ball at the Queen’s Hotel, Leeds, on March 4.

The sold-out ball is organised by the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal Board in Yorkshire, of which Rena is a key member. It is hoped the ball will raise £50,000 towards a £1 million target.

The money raised for the Appeal will enable the charity’s helplines to answer even more cries for help from children and young people.

Rena Gueller said: “The Child’s Voice Appeal Board has a shared aim of making a difference to children’s lives in Yorkshire and across the UK. The more we can do to raise money, the more children will be helped to live safe, happy childhoods.

“We have already raised £200,000 towards this cause and we hope that together we will go on to reach our £1 million target.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Lesley Garrett to the ball, and her performance will make it a night to remember.”

To donate to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal, call (0113) 2299329 or e-mail northappeals@nspcc.org.uk.