Stars turn out for latest Bond

The Stereophonics are big James Bond fans

By Tom Bourton BBC News Online

James Bond's hold over cinema audiences shows no signs of wearing off, judging by a special celebrity screening held in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

Welsh stars from bands, track and field flocked to the UGC in Cardiff to enjoy Die Another Day, the latest slice of the 007 action.

Colin Charvis led the Wales team to the film

Top athletes including hurdler Matt Elias, sprinter Christian Malcolm and 400m runner Jamie Baulch all turned out for the charity event.

Two-thirds of the Stereophonics came rushing straight from the studio, without even having time to change into the dinner jackets.

And a gaggle of players from the Wales rugby team even managed to secure a special pass out of their hotel rooms ahead of the weekend's clash with New Zealand.

Captain Colin Charvis, who led the delegation - which included Stephen Jones, Rhys Williams and Richard Parks - said 007 still had the power to entertain.

"Bond is a British institution which everyone has enjoyed for a few decades," he said.

"It is a chance to relax - we've trained hard this week and this is a bit of pleasure rather than sitting in the hotel."

But he denied that he had much in common with everyone's favourite secret agent.

Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry star in the movie

"I am nowhere near as flamboyant - I am more interested in getting my head down and playing my rugby."

Stereophonics drummer Stuart Cable and bass player Richard Jones had spent the day finishing work on their latest album, but managed to make it just in time.

Although frontman Kelly Jones was "chilling out" rather than coming along, Cable and Jones could not hide their enthusiasm.

As a big 007 fan, Jones confessed to having dragged his wife Gail off to see a Bond exhibition, while Cable was full of praise for current 007 Pierce Brosnan.

"Pierce is becoming a bit of a cult figure, I think, especially with all the special effects to help him out," he said.

'Big fan'

Meanwhile, Jamie Baulch said he loved everything about Bond, and even broke into his best Sean Connery impression.

"It is great - I've been a fan all my life," he said.

Jamie Baulch has been a Bond fan all his life

"I used to love Sean Connery, and all the gadgets, Pussy Galore, Blofeld, the cars...everything."

And emerging star Matt Elias said he had to see the latest instalment of double-0 action, especially to check out the additions to his garage.

"I have seen all of the old ones, and most of the new ones - I really share Bond's love of cars," he said.

The event was held to raise money for a south Wales children's charity.