Brief prank

Those crazy chartered accountants, eh? Their idea of a quiet night out always seems to involve large sums of cash, gratuitous nudity, and rock music.

And the recent Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales quiz night was certainly no exception.

'Twas a wild night indeed, as accountants took on solicitors and corporate finance firms in the battle to be the nerdiest in the Square Mile.

Eversheds was the worthy winner of the general knowledge quiz, and hilarious prankster and host for the evening Jeremy Beadle cajoled the audience into shelling out 900 for a Manchester City football shirt signed by Liam and Noel Gallagher, among other prizes on offer in the auction.

The night raised more than 7,000 for the Action on Addiction charity, but the highlight came at the end of the tie-break when the bravest participants dropped their trousers on stage, apparently at Mr Beadle's suggestion.

A general knowledge quiz and accountants in their pants? Obiter can already hear the it-girls scratching eyes out for invites to the next night.