Pictured: Wooden Spoon's Six Nations dinner is kicked off by young rugby fan Kieran Sanders

Business leaders from Birmingham and the Black Country are set to kick off this years Six Nations rugby campaign with an evening of fun and fundraising for charity.

A dinner staged at Birmingham's Botanical Gardens - and hosted by former England winger David Duckham - will raise money for Wooden Spoon, the children's charity of rugby.

The February 2nd event is on the eve of the annual tournament and promises a packed evening of good food, great hospitality, an auction and lively entertainment.

Wooden Spoon's West Midlands chairman Phil Pemble said: "We've put together a very affordable event to encourage the corporate sector in particular to come along and learn what Wooden Spoon is all about whilst showcasing just what can be achieved. Enjoyment and a feel-good factor will be the order of the day. Tables are still available so the invitation is there for anyone to join in."

Wooden Spoon, founded almost 30 years ago, raises money both locally and nationally to invest in capital projects that benefit disadvantaged children and young people. Last year the West Midlands regions built a sensory room for a special school and donated money for a major refurbishment in support of Harborne based Focus Birmingham accommodating school leavers with sight loss.

Phil said: "The idea of a fundraising dinner originated following Spoon's involvement in a touch rugby competition at the start of last year's rugby world cup. Many of the participants wanted to get involved in further support for the charity and we hit on the idea of a dinner as a precursor to the Six Nations which kicks off that particular weekend."

Wooden Spoon has donated almost £20 million nationally to projects that benefit disadvantaged children and a further £30,000 raised locally will see the region surpass the £1 million barrier. "We're all volunteers who channel our passion for the game to help those less fortunate, " continued Phil. "Fundraising is extremely competitive but always worthwhile. Nothing can ever replace the smiles we generate with the opening of a new playground, a sensory room or a refurbishment."   

Tables of 10 are available at the very competitive price of £250 to include a 3 course dinner and entertainment, individual places are also available by contacting philip.pemble@ppdg.co.uk or calling Phil on 07979 517671.

For more information about Pertemps People Development Group, please visit their website here: www.ppdg.co.uk