A casino night in the best James Bond tradition will raise money for the British Red Cross.

The event, on September 29, will be a Bond-themed evening with roulette, blackjack, Vegas-style dancing girls, and local opera diva Heather Whitworth.

With awards for most flamboyant Bond outfit and sexiest Bond car - the evening looks set to be a memorable occasion.

A special treat for the winners will see TV's EastEnders star Jo Joyner, who plays Tanya Branning, present the prizes.

The big night will be at Veritas Wine Bar and Bistro in North Bar, Banbury, and organisers Pam and Richard Hastie are hoping it will boost a fund they have set up for the Red Cross. The couple were in Sri Lanka in 2004 when the tsunami disaster occured. They saw at first hand the work of the Red Cross and are spending 2007 - their Ruby Wedding year - raising money for the charity with a series of monthly events.

The fundraising marathon has already raised more than £3,750 towards the target of £5,000.

Tickets for the casino night are now on sale at £35 at the restaurant, and the price includes casino chips, 007 cocktail, and canapes.

Two further Banbury events remain in Mr and Mrs Hastie's anniversary quest.

The first will be a pub quiz on November 1 at The Woolpack in Horsefair. Teams of four at £5 a head are invited to enter.

The second event will be The Final Countdown Ball on January 26 - a dinner and charity auction at General Foods Sports and Social Club with dancing to the Blue Meanies.