PLANNING an office party is hard enough - but try sorting one out for more than 2,500 people with a budget running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

That daunting task fell to 12 staff at Southampton-based financial services giant Skandia, ten of whom are pictured right.

After months of careful organisation, they are now in the final stages of preparation for this Saturday's corporate shindig in the New Forest.

The event at Beaulieu, home to Lord Montagu, marks the 25th anniversary of the company in the UK.

It is thought to be the biggest celebration of its kind ever in Hampshire.

Skandia opened for business on July 2, 1979 with just 25 employees in six UK locations.

Since then it has undergone phenomenal growth, and is now one of the UK's top ten financial services groups, with £17.4 billion in managed assets.

One of Southampton's biggest employers, about 1,500 of its 2,000-strong workforce are based in the city.

The party - entitled UK Fun Day - will be attended by staff and their families from across Britain and as far afield as Finland and Norway. Skandia, which sponsors the world-famous Cowes sailing regatta in August, is spending an estimated £250 on each employee this year in toasting its success.

A Skandia spokesman said of the party project team in Southampton: "These guys have worked really hard all year, not only on the anniversary party, but on all the various special events and activities which have happened throughout the year alongside their day jobs, and we are extremely grateful."

Quad-biking, fireworks and live performances by a stand-up comedian and international strongman are all part of the entertainment lined up for the party.

On top of all that, staff will find out who has won a Mini Cooper S.

Other prizes up for grabs include a laptop computer, travel vouchers and flights to New York.

Up to 100 Beaulieu workers have been working flat-out to prepare for UK Fun Day.

For picture coverage of this event see next Monday's Daily Echo.