FORMER England fullback Kenny Sansom is one of the speakers at a dinner to raise money for Hereford's Royal National College for the Blind.

The ex-Arsenal star will be joined by Britain's blind runner Bob Matthews MBE and Paralympian swimmer Chris Holmes MBE for the fund-raiser on Friday, June 21.

Michael Owen's football boots, a signed Newcastle United shirt and a signed Manchester United football are just some of the items that will be auctioned during the evening.

Tony Larkin, team leader of the sport and recreation programme at the college, said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome three sporting greats to Hereford. Sansom actually attended the opening of the International Blind Football tournament which was held at the college and was so impressed with the players and the college that he was only too happy to come back."

Sansom was capped 86 times by England and played in two World Cup and two European Championships, while Matthews has landed eight Paralympic gold medals and set three world records. At the 2000 Paralympics in Sydney, he broke the British record in the 1,000 metres and achieved a British best in the marathon.

Holmes, who is also visually impaired, is one of the most successful British Paralympians of his era. He has performed at world-class level for the past 13 years, capturing nine gold medals and setting a host of British, European and World records.

Tickets for the event, to raise money for the college's sport and recreation projects, are available from Rachel Swaffield on 01432 265725.