STARS of a North-East panto are celebrating the last week of a successful run by lending a hand to one of the region’s hospices. The cast of Cinderella at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle have launched St Cuthbert’s Hospice Midnight Walk to raise a women’s money for the charity that helps people with life-limiting illnesses.

Amy Bruce, who plays Cinderella, was joined by dame Chris Hayward and ugly sisters Phil Corbitt and Steve Arnott, invited ladies from the area to take part in the Durham charity event.

Ms Bruce said: "As a lot of us are from the North-East, we really want to support a local charity and St Cuthbert’s Hospice is an extremely deserving cause.

"We hope to add some fairy tale sparkle to the Midnight Walk."

At the stroke of midnight, on Saturday June 19, hundreds of women will gather in Durham for the fourth annual 10km Midnight Walk.

Rachel Jobson, a fundraiser at the hospice, said: "Last year, there was a magical atmosphere at the Midnight Walk with around 850 women taking part, raising an incredible £75,000 for St Cuthbert’s Hospice.

"This year, we hope that even more ladies will get together and have a ball at the Midnight Walk, making a huge difference to local people."

An army of male stewards is needed to make the Midnight Walk a reality and men interested in helping can call 0191-3861170 to register as a volunteer.

Registration for the Midnight Walk is £10, plus sponsorship raised.

To register, download a registration form from www.stcuthbertshospice.com, or contact Rachel Jobson at St Cuthbert’s Hospice on 0191-386-1170, or Rachel.jobson@stcuthbertshospice.com. All registration forms must be received no later than May 23.