London (ots) -

A host of stars from stage, screen and sport will be pledging their support for The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) at the launch of the charity's Diamond Anniversary year on 20 January 2004.

To mark the occasion NDCS Vice President Jane Asher will be wearing a £1m diamond necklace for the night, donated by the Diamond Trading Council.

Artwork by names as diverse as Joanna Lumley, Ian Hislop, David James, Chris Tarrant, David Baddiel, Alan Titchmarsh, and Jane Asher, will be on display at the Dali Universe on London's South Bank from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The artwork will be auctioned later in the year to raise funds for the work of The National Deaf Children's Society
(NDCS). Stars will have the chance to admire their own artwork and compare their artistic talent to that of others.

On arrival, guests will be greeted with a Diamond Cocktail. Each glass of champagne will contain a diamond. Sadly, most of these will be fake - just two are real. A diamond expert will be on hand to identify the real thing.

NDCS aims to raise £1m during its 60th year to meet the needs of deaf children throughout the UK. During the evening, NDCS CEO Susan Daniels, and President, Sir Christopher Benson, will outline the charity's plans for the year.

Susan Daniels said:

"Our aim this year is to raise awareness of the struggles and achievements of deaf children over the last 60 years.

"We want to make sure deaf children get the same chances as their hearing friends and the £1m we plan to raise this year will help us achieve this."

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