AS one-fifth of the Spice Girls she had number one hits, made her movie debut and performed to sell-out crowds around the world.

Since striking out and going solo, she has become an ambassador for the United Nations and given a morale-boosting concert for British troops in the Middle East.

But for all her successes, there is one arena that even Geri Halliwell could not help to pack to the rafters.

Yesterday, it emerged that an auction of hand-painted plate clocks, including one from the artist formerly known as Ginger Spice, has been postponed because of poor ticket sales.

The champagne-and-cocktails evening was due to take place at Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, next Tuesday.

But a lack of interest has forced the Prince's Trust charity - which would have benefited from the proceeds - to postpone the event.

However, despite the setback, Geri should not take it all too personally. Clocks designed by Ewan McGregor, Britt Ekland, Susan Hampshire, Liza Tarbuck and actor Steve McGann were also due to go under the hammer, along with a signed photo and T-shirt from Hollywood legend John Travolta.

A spokeswoman for Swinton Park said: "Not too many people wanted to come out in the dark to drink cocktails on a weekday night."

All six celebrities were approached by Rotary Watches, which is aiming to raise £100,000 to help the Prince's Trust in its work with disadvantaged youngsters.