A CHARITY is welcoming two sporting heavyweights to the region for its first annual sportsman’s dinner this autumn.

Legendary boxer Frank Bruno MBE will be entertaining guests with tales from his prolific sporting career at the Butterwick Hospice Care event at Hardwick Hall Hotel, near Sedgefield, County Durham.

The former World Boxing Council heavyweight champion will be joined by the Neil “Razor” Ruddock.

Known as one of football’s original hard men, Ruddock had a glittering professional football career including spells at Southampton, Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham United.

Diners are told to expect hilarious tales from the dressing room interspersed with how he successfully battled depression and alcoholism.

Jed Stone, a stalwart of the comedy circuit, will round off the event, which takes place on Friday, October 3.

Butterwick Hospice Care incorporates Butterwick Hospice in Stockton and Bishop Auckland and Butterwick House Children’s Hospice in Bishop Auckland.

The charity provides pain and symptom control, end of life, respite, day and home care, complementary therapies, bereavement care and family support free of charge to children and adults.

Tickets for the sportsman’s dinner cost £49, including a three-course meal.

VIP tickets cost £69 and also include drinks, a VIP meet and greet and priority seating.

To reserve a place, visit butterwick.org.uk/sportsmansdinner