AS OFFICE parties go, this will surely outshine them all. One of Southampton's leading employers is spending an estimated £500,000 this year to mark its 25th anniversary in the UK - and it's thought to be the biggest of its kind locally in living memory.

The lion's share of that feel-good budget will be splashed out on the climax to months of celebrations.

Skandia Life, a financial services group with an enviable reputation for spoiling its staff, is busily organising a party for 3,000 staff and their families at one of the top corporate venues in the south.

The company, which has 1,500 people at its headquarters in Southampton and a further 500 across the UK, is holding the shindig this summer in the heart of the New Forest.

Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum and the historic Lord Montagu family, is hosting the family day on Saturday, September 4.

Up to 100 of the estate's workers will be working flat out to prepare for the marquee hospitality event.

Many more of Skandia's employees will be flying in from Dublin, Finland and Norway to share in the lunchtime-to-late fun.

Plans are being finalised, with an undisclosed range of attractions and competitions for both youngsters and adults. In the evening there will be food and licensed bars, with professional entertainers and music.

As if that wasn't enough, there is a similar event on August 28 for staff from Cyprus, Dubai, Hong Kong and the Isle of Man, where it takes place.

It is understood that high-profile Skandia, which sponsors the world-famous Cowes sailing regatta in August, is splashing out about £250 a head this year on a series of 'thank you' events. As previously reported in the Daily Echo, the company, overseen by millionaire boss Alan Wilson, has lavished luxury treats on local staff.

In the past they have received Christmas hampers and experienced an all-expenses-paid glittering bash at a top London hotel.

Every employee is entitled to an extra day's holiday this year, and a Mini Cooper is the star prize in a raffle being drawn at the family day.

A Skandia spokesman declined to talk about costs, saying the emphasis is on staff and their families having a great time. She added: "We are expecting approximately 3,000 people in total. The party at Beaulieu will be the climax of a year's worth of events and activities to celebrate Skandia's 25th anniversary."

Beaulieu spokesman Margaret Rowles said: "We're delighted that Southampton-based Skandia has chosen us as one of the south's top attractions for this most prestigious event in their company calendar."