A STAR-STUDDED carol concert has raised £29,000 for the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford.

Bodyguard TV star Pippa Haywood joined actors and celebrities from the world of television and film to take part in The Spirit of Christmas at Chester Cathedral.

The concert, now in its 23rd year, was hosted by Matthew Kelly of Stars in their Eyes and Benidorm fame.

Maggie Ollerenshaw from Last of the Summer Wine and Open All Hours and Ian Pulestone Davies from Coronation Street presented festive readings.

Children from Frodsham CE Primary School and Abbey Gate Chapel College Choir performed a selection of festive songs and music accompanied by Roberts Bakery Brass Band.

All the money raised will support people with neuromuscular conditions and their families in Cheshire and beyond.

The centre on Woodford Lane provides a range of unique specialist services for people with muscular dystrophy, a progressive and debilitating muscle wasting condition with no known cure.

These services include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, support and advice, and training in graphic design and IT which often leads to employment opportunities within their social enterprise NMC Design+Print.

This inspirational centre, the only one of its kind in the UK and Europe costs £1.2 million to run every year.

The charity is very grateful to all the performers who gave up their time for free to support this wonderful cause and all the volunteers who helped to make the event such a success.