COMPETITORS gathered in York for a special charity version of the cult game-show, It's A Knockout.

The event, held on the city's racecourse, saw teams battle it out over a series of bizarre events while helping raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Organisers said they expect to raise more than £12,000 for the charity's York Appeal. The appeal is aimed at raising £130,000 over three years to fund a new team of dedicated nurses.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Janet Greenwood, was among hundreds of people who descended on Knavesmire to watch 19 teams of ten from companies and other local organisations take part in the event, with Phoenix Knights, the team from Phoenix Software, emerging victorious.

Jan Drinkall, chairwoman of the York committee of Macmillan Cancer Relief, said the day had been a great success.

"We have raised a lot of money, and it was a great day," she said. "The weather was on our side.

"We hired in It's A Knockout games and had 19 teams, who all raised at least £600, with that money going to Macmillan Cancer Relief. The most raised was £1,800 by RR Donnelly's.

"We had lots of spectators, bouncy castles for the children, tombolas and lots of the other good Sunday afternoon events."

The games included Call Out the Plumber, Fly to Las Vegas, Bathing Belles, the Prawn Sandwich Game and Nick My Nuts. Bouncy castles, water and foam were in abundance.

Three teams went through to the final from each of the two heats. The winners of the final were the Phoenix Knights, with the Superstar BJs (Ben Johnsons) in second place, and The Gorgeous Glutes (Next Generation) in third place.

Afterwards Jan was inundated with messages from the teams praising the event, including one from York-based firm CPP which said: "A straw poll has revealed that 80 per cent of our team still aren't dry."

Updated: 10:33 Tuesday, August 02, 2005