STARS flocked to a Hampshire church to raise thousands for a special cancer centre.

Men Behaving Badly actor Martin Clunes, TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, BBC South Today presenter Sally Taylor and the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson attended a sparkling carol service in Titchfield.

St Peter’s Church was lit with bright pink lights for the special service which raised £12,000 for The Wessex Haven which opened this year.

The 330 guests came together in support and joined musicians and choirs including West Hill Park Community Choir and Rock Choir as well as brass bands and a bagpiper for the evening of festive songs and readings.

It comes after a mammoth fundraising appeal which saw generous Daily Echo readers dig deep to raise the cash so that the centre could open in a Grade II listed building in Titchfield Square in October.

The £2.5 million specialist centre aims to provide a sanctuary for thousands of people battling breast cancer and their families.

More than 80 people have already come through its doors for support and all of the centre’s introductory days have been booked up until the end of January.

The centre works closely with the NHS to offer a wide range of emotional, physical and practical support including complementary therapies, counselling, nutritional advice, exercise classes, financial advice and support groups, but in order to continue its services and ensure they can help as many people as possible, the charity relies on donations and fundraisers.

Fundraising manager Sally Hillyear said: “We were delighted that so many people supported us by buying a ticket to the carol concert. We are also so grateful to Martin, Alan, Sally and the Lord Lieutenant for donating their time and bringing joy to so many people who came to see them. We are amazed at the generosity of everyone who donated.”

For more information on the Wessex Haven or to donate call 01329 559 290 or visit its website.