A spectacular gala dinner was held at St Mary's to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Saints' FA Cup final success.

Manager Lawrie McMenemy, his backroom staff and most of the team that defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley on May 1, 1976 were the guests of honour in the Mike Channon Suite, where more than £100,000 was raised for the players and the event's charity, Wessex Heartbeat.

With the exception of captain Peter Rodrigues and the late, great Bobby Stokes and Peter Osgood, the FA Cup heroes were all present, including Ian Turner, Mel Blyth, Jim Steele, David Peach, Paul Gilchrist, Nick Holmes, Jim McCalliog, Mick Channon, Hughie Fisher, Pat Earles, Paul Bennett and Gerry O'Brien.

Other big Saints names present included director of football Les Reed and former striker James Beattie.

Hampshire Cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove and director of cricket Giles White were among several guests from The Ageas Bowl.

Top-class entertainment included acts from freestyle rapper Chris Turner, comedian Josh Daniels and West End 2 U, a group of five former Les Misérables cast members who produced a stunning finale with a breathtaking medley of hits from the hit musical.

The night was compèred by Mike Osman and the auction raised a six-figure sum.

A painting commemorating the 1976 team was completed live by Ben Mosley, before being signed by all the FA Cup heroes and sold for £16,000.

But the biggest buy of the night was an evening's entertainment from former Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley, West End 2 U and Josh Daniels, which went for £27,000.

The 40th anniversary celebrations conclude on Sunday, when the players will travel on the open-top bus used for the original celebratory tour of the city, from Southampton Guildhall to St Mary's, before being welcomed on to the pitch at half-time during Saints ' match against Manchester City.

They will then move on to the Mayflower Theatre for a special anniversary show compèred by legendary sports broadcasters Peter Brackley and Garry Richardson.