A GLITTERING array of television stars were dressed to the nines as they lined up for a charity ball in aid of a children's organisation.

Monarch of the Glen actors Richard Briers and Susan Hampshire OBE joined EastEnders favourite June Brown and former Coronation Street star Thelma Barlow, at the black tie event, held in an outdoor marquee at the Stirk House Hotel, in Gisburn.

It was organised in aid of the Michael Elliott Trust, a national charity which rescues donkeys and puts them to work with children with special needs and underprivileged youngsters.

As well as a five-course meal, diners took part in a special auction, which included items of considerable interest, among them a signed EastEnders plaque donated by June Brown, a picture and tie donated by artist Rolf Harris, a David Beckham shirt and a London weekend television tour given by the Tweenies production team.

Susan Hampshire, dressed in a flowery pink ball dress with matching shawl, said: "It was a wonderful idea to hold something like this, particularly for the young people who are able to go for the two weeks where they can look after the donkeys.

"It helps them make a lot of progress in their personal lives and their parents manage to get a rest as well."

Film and television star Robert Carlyle, who made such an impact in the TV series 'Cracker', and film like 'Full Monty' and 'Trainspotting', was unable to attend the fundraiser.

His agent confirmed that Mr Carlyle had had to miss the event for 'personal reasons'.