The new Mayor of Worthing is staging his civic ball later this month.

Councillor James Doyle and his wife Mel are inviting guests to join them at the Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, on Friday, June 27.

The evening promises to be a very special occasion, featuring a complimentary glass of wine, a three-course dinner, the Les Paul Big Band and singers, the Just Strings Quartet and the world-famous Worthing Wurlitzer, with local organist Iain Flitcroft at the helm.

This year's guest speaker is Colin White, the renowned Nelson expert and Director of Trafalgar 200 from the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich.

Colin will share some of the plans for Trafalgar 200 and will create the scene in the admiral's cabin of HMS Victory when, on September 29, 1805, Nelson dined with his captains and afterwards explained to them his plan for fighting the forthcoming battle.

Coun Doyle said: "This is a very important evening for Mel and I. Not only will we be enjoying the civic part of the occasion and meeting all the guests but as I am passionate about all things to do with the sea, I am really delighted to welcome Colin to Worthing and hear first hand all about Nelson."

For tickets, which cost £40, contact Wendy Knight on 01903 221017 or email wendy.knight@worthing.gov.uk