JOHNNY Ball renowned for his inspirational approach to popularising science and mathematics, is to be a guest speaker at a dinner with a unique format and the theme of 'Inspirations and Innovations in business'.

It is being held for business leaders in the south and will raise literally thousands of pounds for children's charity Barnardo's.

It is being sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers in Southampton and the Solent office of national law firm Shoosmiths.

The event is being hosted by Jim Braithwaite, chairman of regional development agency Seeda, and as Britain's first black chief executive of a publicly quoted company - an inspiration in his own right.

Speaking alongside Johnny are three other speakers. Penny Mallory was the first woman in the world to drive a Ford Focus World Rally car and is a former National Ladies' Rally Champion.

She is also an award-winning journalist, the only female presenter on Channel 4's Driven programme.

Peter Kelly is the boss of IT solutions company Softcat and David Holloway is head of seed mat firm Terraseed.

The event organisers have targeted to raise £10,000 for Barnardo's through this black tie dinner, which is being held at Chilworth Manor in Southampton on Thursday, April 29.

Tickets cost £80 per head or £75 per head for those who book tables of eight, nine or ten. Demand for tickets is high - a few tables are still available from Amy Matthews on 023 8083 5085.