A NEW local charity for people with special educational needs will be launched at a fundraising ball at Alexandra Palace on May 24.

The Roselle Antoine Foundation has invited more than 150 people to attend the event, including the charity's patrons, the High Commissioner for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, Ruth Elisabeth Rouse, and Dame Jocelyn Barrows OBE.

Entertainment will be provided by a variety of artists, including the saxophonist Lascelles James and the 70s pop group Boney M.

The charity was founded Dr Roselle Antoine, an educationalist who is the founder and principal of the TCS Tutorial College in Kingsbury. She said the foundation's aim was to tackle under-achievement among children from ethnic minorities, especially those from deprived communities.

"Our intention is to influence education and social development policy as it relates to children with deprived backgrounds," said Dr Antoine. "The foundation will work in conjunction with statutory and non-statutory agencies to alleviate the current expulsion and exclusion rates among our children."

Tickets for the May ball launch cost £35 and can be ordered by calling 020 8206 2988, or by e-mail at rafoundation2001@yahoo.co.uk.