JAMES Bond was licensed to kill, thrill - and raise plenty of money for charity at last night's Southampton premiere of the new 007 movie.

The regional premiere of Die Another Day, held to raise funds for local charity Leukaemia Busters, was a glittering success, raising around £15,000 for the charity's Cure for All campaign.

Harry Redknapp and his wife Sandra, the charity's ambassadors, were guests of honour at the event, held at Southampton's LeisureWorld complex.

Other celebrities at the event included Southampton music star Mark Hill, from Artful Dodger, and Elaine Walker from Changing Rooms and Reel Rooms.

They mingled with guests in the James Bond-themed party in Jumpin' Jaks before heading into the cinema to be among the first people to see the new film.

Tickets for the event, priced £20 each, were sold out well in advance and further funds were raised on the night with an auction, a raffle and charity casino tables.

Auction lots included a Changing Rooms-style make-over, which Artful Dodger's Mark Hill bid £400 for, and a 007 Omega watch which was sold for £1,550.

Raffle prizes included a pampering day, a family trip to the Mayflower panto and a P&O mini-cruise.

The black-tie event included pre and post-screening parties, with complimentary drinks and a chance to mingle with other guests.

David Flavell, one of the co-founders of Leukaemia Busters, said: "It's been a fantastic evening. Everyone's really in the spirit of things.

"James Bond's done Leukaemia Busters a great deal of good. I have to thank the Odeon staff for all their support over the years, especially Steve Christie, the manager."

Nigel Impey, the charity's fundraising manager, said: "It's been a fantastic evening. There's a really good atmosphere and everyone's really enjoyed themselves."

The stars will be out in force again tonight when the Saints football team attend a charity screening of Die Another Day in a convoy of Aston Martins.