THE outspoken Ann Widdecombe, novelist and former Tory MP, is to be guest of honour at a charity gala dinner for Kendal's Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool.

The event on Friday, October 23, at Castle Green Hotel is the latest fundraiser for the pool by Financial Management Bureau, of Kendal.

"To date, we have raised just over £11,300 for them which has contributed largely to buying the pool a new, more efficient boiler," said marketing coordinator Rebecca Wilson. Miss Widdecombe is to give the after-dinner speech.

For tickets, visit www.finman.co.uk