MOTHER-of-two Tracey Hawkes is playing cupid to scores of lonely hearts with the aim of raising £500 for Children in Need. Tracey Hawkes hopes to raise cash for Children in Need with one of her speed dating events.

Following the success of her recently launched company, Speed Dating Promotions, Tracey, of Northumberland Avenue, Kidderminster, has organised a match-making party which gives people the chance to chat up as many as 30 people in one evening.

Tracey set up the company after successfully sorting out her mum's love life.

She said "I played cupid because mum, who is in her 50's was finding eligible men hard to find.

"Speed dating is not a date, it is a pre-date to find out if you would welcome spending more time with a person you have been chatting to."

At the last event she said 70 per cent of those who attended found someone with that extra something to arrange a further date with.

She holds the events at the Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, aimed at the 40-55 year- old age group, and at PJ's at the Waterfront in Brierley Hill. The next event will be for the 25-40 age group and will be at PJ's on Wednesday November 19. All proceeds will go to Children in Need.

Tracey said, "I think it's because I have children. I want to raise as much as possible so although I normally limit numbers there will be no limit with everyone dating as many people as possible."

The cost of the event is £20. To register call Tracey on 01562 630730 or text 07866 069271.

l The annual nationwide fund-raiser is also set to benefit from a celebrity Children In Need auction at the Kidderminster Harriers Aggborough Suite.

Among a host of premier lots going under the hammer will be bronze sculptures of John Lennon and Buddha, celebrity signed bowler hats from Lock Hatters of London, a tennis racket signed by Tim Henman and tickets for a private film screening of The Good Boy at the Odeon Worcester.

The auction on Friday, November 21 is being organised by CIN Auction and anyone wanting tickets or to make a bid in advance should contact Mark Driver on 01562 861711 or E-mail CINenquiry@UKCharity.com