A HOST of stars from pub and clubland rallied round to help raise cash for a singer struck down by cancer.

The top names from the local entertainment scene gathered at the Irish Democratic League Club in Burnley, to give their support to Chrissie Barnes, who is battling against lymph cancer.

The 'Chrissie Aid' concert was a sell-out and raised about £1,200 for the well-known singer, who performs under the name Chrissie Rey.

The cash will help while Chrissie, 34, who lives in Manchester Road, is forced to miss her regular clubland spots because her treatment leaves her feeling tired and drained.

The benefit gig was organised by her ex-husband, Ian Rockliffe, who gathered together acts such as Wammy, Mike Alone and Together Forever for the star-studded bill.

Chrissie managed a short spot on stage and the evening finished with a grand finale of all the acts on stage together.

Afterwards Ian said: "It was a belter. The whole evening ran like clockwork. It was super.

"We did a similar concert in Manchester in January that raised £1,600, so over the last couple of months we've been able to raise almost £3,000 for her.

"I'd like to thank all the acts and everyone who helped with sound and lighting and organising the concert. They were marvellous."

Chrissie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, but thought she had beaten it until last October, when the cancer re-appeared.

She delayed chemotherapy treatment at Christie Hospital, Manchester, until the New Year so that she could produce the St James' Players Christmas musical, Ebeneezer.

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