A STEEL band provided fitting entertainment as AA employees celebrated the end of the summer with a special charity barbecue.

More than 500 members of staff enjoyed an extended lunch hour and hog roast in the grounds of Fanum House in Basing View, Basingstoke, at the first event organised by the company's recently-formed social committee.

Staff were able to step out of the office for a couple of hours and enjoy the hot weather while giving to a good cause. The event raised funds for the company's charity of the year, Basingstoke's St Michael's Hospice.

As well as enjoying food and the chance to catch up, staff were also treated to a range of sideshows, including a coconut shy featuring the faces of company directors, and a tin can alley.

Cathy Billett, chair of the social committee, said: "It went really well and the sunny weather and steel band gave the event a real Caribbean feel. The barbecue was a great opportunity to support St Michael's and increase the total amount this year to more than £4,500. We are now looking forward to the next event."