THERE was a host of stars at a Dorset charity’s Christmas service and fundraiser.

The children’s hospice Julia’s House organised a Carols by Candlelight event at Christchurch Priory.

More than 500 people, including Julia’s House families, attended the evening of festive readings, traditional carols and music. There was a chance for guests to mingle later and enjoy some minced pies and mulled wine.

Celebrity patrons in attendance included county residents crime writer Minette Walters, journalist and writer Kate Adie, and actress Debra Stephenson.

Completing the line-up as a last-minute guest was Bournemouth AFC manager Eddie Howe, another patron, who went along with son Harry.

The charity said Mr Howe had pledged to try and get to the concert if he could, but with such a busy schedule it seemed unlikely.

Julia’s House staff and volunteers were thrilled when, just a few hours before the concert was due to start, he confirmed he would be able to make it after all. 

Sing Now and the Bournemouth Collegiate School Choirs provided musical entertainment alongside a mix of poetry and prose read by the celebrity guests. 

There was also a reading by Justin Kline, a Parent Ambassador who raised £150,000 for Julia’s House in recognition of the care the charity gave his eight-year-old daughter Sophie who died of a brain tumour.

This is the second year the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity has hosted this popular concert in support of local life-limited children and their families. This year’s event raised more than £13,000.

Carols by Candlelight was sponsored by Holton Homes, and Tesco donated the mulled wine and mince pies. 

Julia’s House is a hospice charity dedicated to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions living in Dorset and Wiltshire. It provides frequent respite and end-of-life care for families both in its Corfe Mullen-based hospice and in their own homes across the two counties. 

Julia’s House is currently building a new hospice in Devizes, Wiltshire.