AN Accrington charity is £8,000 better off after a soap star nominated it to receive her winnings in a celebrity quiz.

Maundy Relief, which provides accommodation and food parcels for the homeless, was the nominated charity of Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh - who plays Hayley Cropper - when she appeared in a star-studded version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire?' hosted by Chris Tarrant.

The Oswaldtwistle-born actress appeared with fellow former Accrington College student Connie Hyde, who plays PC Cathy Bradford in The Bill.

The pair won £16,000 between them by answering nine questions correctly, and split the money between their chosen charities.

Dorothy McGregor, manager of the Maundy Relief charity, which is based in Abbey Street, Accrington, said: "We were all thrilled because every penny is such a help. It's amazing, it's a Christmas miracle. It's so vital to the life blood of the charity, to keep us open and give more to the core funding, helping the poor in practical ways.

"It's money you can't get easily from ordinary bids."

Connie's money was donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young.