The construction industry raised more than 拢300,000 for children鈥檚 charity Unicef at a ball that is one of its biggest corporate fundraising events.

More than 1,500 people attended the Alliance Ball, organised by Stanhope and Bovis Lend Lease in the arena at Battersea park, south-west London.

The star attraction at the ball was pop group Girls Aloud. Among the lots up for auction was a trip to a Monaco restaurant in Ray O'Rourke's private jet, which fetched 拢42,000 from Brendan Kerr of Keltbray, the demolition firm. David Hogkiss, from William Hare, the structural steelwork specialist, stumped up 拢25,000 for a box at the Royal Opera House to see La Traviata.

Meanwhile demolition contractor McGee donated a Mini to the guest who guessed the number of miles that Unicef supporter and fellow guest Charley Boorman covered en route to Malawi, when he made a television programme with fellow actor Ewan McGregor.

The ball was supported by firms such as Laing O鈥橰ourke, Mace, Irvine Whitlock and John Doyle.