LIZA Tarbuck is hoping to change the lives of thousands of North-East women who suffer from domestic violence after appearing on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

The actress will appear on a celebrity edition of the show to raise money for a small but vital charity.

Liza, who stars in the comedy drama Linda Green on BBC1, will appear on the Christmas Day show with her father, Jimmy Tarbuck.

And she will give her winnings, the total of which she is keeping under wraps, to Newcastle Women's aid - a charity to help victims of domestic violence.

The group almost closed its doors to the women and children who escape domestic violence, until a campaign saved it earlier this year.

After hearing about the battle to save the refuge, Liza agreed to donate her winnings.

She said: "I heard all about the work of Newcastle Women's Aid through my manager, who has a friend who worked for the refuge.

"I wanted the money to go to a small voluntary organisation where it would really make a difference."

Sandra Carlisle, from the charity, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the gesture.

"Any money Liza wins will make a big difference, because we channel it directly to the women and children.

Just a year ago, the future looked bleak for the refuge, based at a secret location in Newcastle.

But a campaign, the Service Users Support Group - backed by Cheryl Gasgoigne, Gazza's former wife - fought to reopen it.