CHESTER Cathedral was filled with The Spirit of Christmas for a star- studded carol concert hosted by Matthew Kelly of Stars in their Eyes and Benidorm fame.

Now in its 23rd year, the Neuromuscular Centre's The Spirit of Christmas is an established event in the diaries of many people in Cheshire, and really does begin Christmas for those that attend.

This year they were treated to beautiful music from Abbey Gate College Chapel Choir, Frodsham C of E Primary School Choir and Roberts Bakery Brass Band, along with fabulously festive readings from well-known actors of stage and screen including Maggie Ollerenshaw (Last of the Summer Wine, Open All Hours), Pippa Haywood (Bodyguard, Death in Paradise) and Ian Puleston Davies (Coronation Street).

The concert raised a magnificent £29,000, which will go directly towards supporting people with neuromuscular conditions and their families in Cheshire and beyond.

The Neuromuscular Centre provides a range of unique specialist services for people with neuromuscular conditions, including the muscular dystrophies. These services include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, support and advice, and training in graphic design and IT.

Claire Jame, marketing manager, said: "We exist as the only centre of our kind in the UK and Europe, and the cost of running this inspirational centre is £1.2m annually.

"The Spirit of Christmas is the highlight of our calendar, and we would like to thank everyone that supports this event by buying a ticket. We would also like to thank the incredible performers, who give up their time for free for this event, and to the wonderful volunteers that make the concert such a success."