A special event is set to be held this month in aid of local animal charity Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home.

‘A Christmas Celebration’ will be hosted by the charity’s patron, actress Lisa Maxwell, and will feature her friends from stage and screen for a night of music and readings.

“It’s our fourth annual year doing this,” said Jane Ellis, head fundraiser for the Home.

“Lisa has been a patron here for as long as I can remember, and she is always keen to help out when she can.”

Maxwell is best known for her roles in ‘Eastenders’, ‘Hollyoaks’ and ‘The Bill’, as well as a stint as a regular panellist on ‘Loose Women’.

“She’s brilliant,” continued Jane, “she invites all the guests, people she has worked with on stage and screen.

“It’s always a great evening. There’s readings and singing, and Lisa gets everyone, including the audience, involved.”

Some of the guests confirmed for this year’s concert include Lesley Joseph, Julia Hills, Stirling Gallacher, Judy Holt and Carla Mendonca.

There will also be a performance from the Gloucestershire Police Male Voice Choir, as well as refreshments and a raffle, with all donations going to the charity, which is based in Cambridge, just a few miles west of Stroud.

"The centre opened in 2016 so local people are still unaware it exists,” said Jane.

“We home around 250 to 300 cats and dogs and we’re looking to branch out to cover the county.

“The centre is affiliated to the RSPCA but is an independent charity and we rely completely on donations from events like this and our 10 shops around the county.”

The Christmas Celebration will be at St Mary’s Church in Painswick on Saturday 7th December.

Jane added: “Dogs on leads are very welcome and we often get a really good turnout of dogs who seem to enjoy it just as much as the adults!”

Tickets are available from www.cotswoldsdogsandcatshome.org.uk/events