BALL gowns and tuxedos were the order of the day as stars from the world of sport, showbiz and entertainment turned out in force for a fundraising soiree.

The Wessex Heartbeat sixth anniversary ball, held October 24, 1999, raised thousands of pounds the organisation’s millennium project.

Then-chief executive of the charity Alan Blair said he was astounded by the kind-hearted generosity of Heartbeat supporters.

“People just get more and more generous - it chokes me to think that all the people here at this ball work hard to keep the charity alive.

Among the guests at the extravaganza were Robin Smith, Mick Channon, Jimmy Case and Mike Osman.

Mick Channon said: It is always a pleasure to be invited to events of this calibre and it is great to be able to put your hand in your pocket and help those who need it most.”

A grand auction, silent auction and fun and games at the tables, raised thousands on the night.

One lucky bidder Mike Lawton, of Lawton Communications, walked away with a new Mercedes Smart Car for a steal at £9,250.