MADCAP soap star Julie Hesmondhalgh led her Coronation Street pals in "a bonkers night" of entertainment to raise bumper funds for an East Lancashire charity.

Julie ---known to millions as Hayley Cropper -- was the brains behind 'Roy and Hayley's Posh Do at the Dunk' -- a star-studded night of celebrity songs, music hall classics and comic sketches.

Almost 300 fans flocked to the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, last night to watch Corrie favourites including Bruce Jones, Street layabout Les Battersby, Rovers Return barmaid Shelley, actress Sally Lindsay and Roy Cropper, actor David Nielson, take to the stage to raise funds for Accrington-based charity, Maundy Relief.

The event, which came just hours before the soap stars were due to travel to London for this year's British Soap Awards, also included stunning performances from actor Bruno Langley (Todd Grimes), Jennie McAlpine (Fizz), Shobna Gulati (Sunita), Dean Ashton (Aidan Critchley), Andrew Whyment (Kirk), Malcolm Hebden (Norris) and Iain Rogerson (Harry).

Kevin Kennedy, Corrie's Curly Watts, was unable to make the event because of filming commitments and Suranne Jones, who plays feisty Karen McDonald, had to cancel due to illness.

Other performances on the night came from local singer Steve Gaunt, Accrington young Theatre Group, The Buddies, and Beatles Tribute Band, 'Just John and Paul'.

Julie, who performed 'Waiting at the Church', is patron of Maundy Relief. She said: "The night was absolute bonkers -- a real mix.

"We hope to have raised £8,500 from sales of tickets - which is double our original estimate - but i. It is a fantastic amount and means that Maundy Relief will be able to pay their rent for the next 12 months, so any extra money that comes in can go straight to the people who need it.

"I am really pleased at the turnout. This is not about the people from Coronation Street - although that is a crowd puller - it is also about showcasing local talent from the Accrington area.

"It also gives publicity to the charity, not only for people who need its help, but also who want to help it as well.

"I hope to be able to make this an annual fundraising event for Maundy Relief."

Sally Lindsay, who performed two songs - 'Nightingale sang in Berkley Square' and 'Nobody does it better', said: "I wasn't remotely nervous. I wouldn't say I was the best singer in the world but this is what we do. We help each other out when it comes to performing in charity functions.

"The Coronation Street cast is such as friendly bunch that we are happy to help out."

Jenny McAlpine, who performed a monologue from the musical hall classic 'Nell', added: "I was more than happy to help out - although they didn't manage to persuade me to sing!

"I am aware of the work of the charity and I appreciate how difficult it is for charities such as this to get the support they need."

Dorothy McGregor, manager of Maundy Relief, said: "There is a so much talent in this line-up. It is absolutely wonderful. I can't believe that it is true.

"It was a fabulous night and I can't thank everyone enough for all they have done. We should have closed our doors at Christmas, but this money will help to pay our rent for another year."