A SUCCESSFUL businesswoman has been clowning around in the name of charity.

Louise Hewett, owner-manager of Hewett Recruitment, has launched the Louise Hewett Challenge 2003.

The challenge is to raise £30,000 for a specialist nurse for Worcester-based St Richard's Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Friends and associates gathered at Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways, Worcester, for an entertaining evening of tricks and wizardry by Shay McConnon.

Mr McConnon is an internationally-renowned keynote speaker and leading authority on interpersonal skills. He is also the author of 14 books on the topic.

"Shay's unique blend of magic, humour and common sense had the audience spellbound," said Ms Hewett, who runs recruitment agencies in Worcester and Kidderminster.

"It was a very memorable evening."

Tickets were £20 on the door and all funds raised will go towards the Louise Hewett Challenge 2003.