LAST night's Daily Echo-backed regional premiere of The Italian Job was more than a Mini extravaganza.

The gala charity evening, which included a screening of the film, a black-tie dinner and an auction, raised a five-figure sum for local charities The Children Say Charity and the Hampshire Deaf Association.

The evening, sponsored by Parkhouse and Wyatt and Omega, began at The Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium, from where VIP guests, including National Lottery presenter Gigi Morley, Radio Solent presenter Julian Clegg, Matthew Le Tissier and present Saints players such as Matt Oakley were driven to the Odeon cinema in LeisureWorld in a fleet of Minis to see the film.

Other guests were escorted to and from the cinema in coaches supplied by Buddens of Romsey.

The Italian Job is a remake of the classic 1969 film which starred Michael Caine. Although the new film has a different plot, location and a mostly American cast, the real stars of the film are still the same - the Minis.

In the new film, the action begins with a heist in Venice but after the team of thieves are betrayed by one of their own, the action moves to Los Angeles, where they set out to steal the loot back and get even.

Mark Wahlberg stars as Charlie Croker, the role made famous by Michael Caine, and a love interest is introduced in the form of master safe-cracker and Mini driver Stella, played by Charlize Theron.

After the screening, guests were taken back to the St Mary's Stadium, where they enjoyed a three-course meal and had plenty more opportunities to give to charity, with raffles, a casino and the auction.

There were some impressive lots taken home by successful bidders, including a handmade 18-carat yellow gold necklace, donated by Parkhouse and Wyatt, and a VIP trip for two to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, donated by Omega.

Matthew Le Tissier took to the stage to encourage people to did deep for the auction lots and several of the current Saints team, including Francis Benali and Matthew Oakley dug deep into their own pockets, enjoying themselves at the charity casino tables.

The evening was pronounced a success, proving that Southampton can put on a premiere just as well as Leicester Square.