HUNDREDS of people sang by candlelight at a Christmas carol concert in aid of Julia’s House including popular actor Martin Clunes.

The ticketed event, which sold out in just over a week, raised £12,000, enough to pay for 400 hours of care for children with life-threatening illnesses across Dorset.

Bournemouth Echo:

Clunes, who stars in the television series Doc Martin, and fashion designer Jasper Conran read Christmas favourites The School Nativity Play and A Visit from St Nicholas to a crowd of 700 at Wimborne Minster.

Joining them were fellow readers Claire Hudson-Cooper, senior team nurse, and 17-year-old Ebony Robinson, a young ambassador who has been supported by the hospice for the past eight years.

After the concert, Clunes said: “It was a fantastic atmosphere, really buzzing. A wonderful night for a wonderful, much-loved local charity.

Bournemouth Echo:

“Imagine what life would be like for families if Julia’s House didn't exist – so thank you to everyone who came along.”

The actor, who lives in Beaminster, has made numerous fundraising guest appearances on behalf of Julia’s House and also raises money for the charity through his popular annual Buckham Fair.

Bournemouth Echo:

The festive evening also included performances by the Rock Choir and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School choir from Christchurch, whose pupils donned Santa hats and did a collection.

Bournemouth Echo:

Guests enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies following the service and got the chance to meet Clunes, who is a Julia’s House patron, and Conran, a long-standing supporter of the charity.

Julia’s House is planning to make Carols by Candlelight an annual event. For more pictures of the evening visit facebook.com/juliashousedorset