THERE was lots of monkeying around in posh frocks - but all in the name of charity.

The Monkey Ball, organised by Alcester residents David and Lynn Price, was held at the Moat House in Stratford for children's charity the NSPCC.

The couple, from Cold Comfort Lane, raised more than £20,000.

An auction was also held, with Twickenham rugby tickets, pole dancing lessons and a day on the Orient Express all going under the hammer.

But it was a last-minute lot, donated by Redditch resident and keen gardener Mike Hatton, of one of his hanging baskets, which caused the biggest stir.

Bids for the basket raised £600 and was won by generous Adam Read, of Exhall in Alcester.

And when Mr Read went to Mr Hatton to pick up the basket, he found he was being given two, which he immediately decided to donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

The next Monkey Ball will be in October and will be hosted by Phil Upton of BRMB.

For more details, call David Hall on 0121 7081010.