A famous Gloucestershire castle will be the historic setting for a sporting event and dinner to raise money for the important work of a county charity.

The annual Nelson Trust Clay Shoot & Black Tie Dinner on May 11 is now established as one of the key events in many people's social diaries.

Last year it raised a record-breaking £60,000 for The Nelson Trust, the Stroud based charity and abstinence-based treatment centre which for more than 30 years has provided support for people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

The Deer Park at Berkeley Castle with the stunning Folly as a backdrop is the picturesque venue for the day and dinner is in the historic Great Hall at Berkeley Castle. It is a very special and exclusive experience.

One of the event organizers is Rob Lister, director of Stonehouse-based Lister Unified Communications, whose late father Richard Lister was chairman of The Nelson Trust for 11 years.

Rob Lister said: "The Nelson Trust do great work in helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society turn their lives around.

"The annual Nelson Trust Clay Shoot & Black Tie Dinner is a great way to support the charity as well as having a wonderful day to remember in a memorable setting."

A spokesperson for The Nelson Trust said: "As a charity, we are reliant on the generosity and support of the public. By booking your tickets today you and your friends will enable us to transform the lives of those in rehabilitation from addiction or within our women's services where we assist vulnerable women in the community.

"We do have some fun new additions to make it a day to remember, with five clay shooting stands plus the famous Gnat stand. Our Hub Bistro Café based in Gloucester will be providing a delicious BBQ of venison burgers and providing refreshments at the end of the shoot.

"The Hub:Bistro is a social enterprise solely run by those in recovery. This is a great chance for you to see how our work makes a real difference.

"What makes this day so special is the Black Tie Dinner, served in the Great Hall of Berkeley Castle. Guests will sit where 'The Other Boleyn Girl' and 'Wolf Hall' were filmed and enjoy an exquisite evening.

"There will be pre-dinner drinks with private tours of the Castle, a truly memorable experience. The evening will include Heads & Tails and our annual big ticket auction, the dinner has limited numbers so please book early to avoid disappointment."

Tickets for the shoot are £150 per person and tickets for the dinner are £75 each.

For more details email melissa.atherton@nelsontrust.com  or call 01453 732074.