Ref. 13744/06Sir Richard Branson, dropped in to Virgin Mobile's Big Summer Party at Longleat on Saturday.

This is the third year Virgin Mobile has taken over part of the estate, filling it with entertainment and fun for its employees and their families.

Literally dropping in were the Army's Red Devils Parachute Team falling from 14,000 feet, performing freefall formations into the arena.

There to greet them was Sir Richard, with a box of raffle tickets, giving Virgin Mobile employees the chance to win a tandem jump with the Red Devils from their Netheravon base.

The company, whose call centre is on the White Horse Business Park, Trowbridge, took over Longleat for the day for a 12 hour bash as a summer treat for the staff.

There was catering for 3,000 guests with an on-site pub and restaurant, the tab being picked up by Virgin Mobile.

Entertainment took the form of live performances and continued well into the evening, with the dance floor getting very crowded as the evening wore on.

Virgin Mobile managing director Tom Alexander whose family joined in the fun said: "It's down to the staff that the company has been so successful and it's our way of thanking them."