EDDIE Howe was a surprise guest at a charity Christmas concert at Christchurch Priory.

Cherries fans were delighted to see the AFC Bournemouth manager and his son, Harry, at the Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight event.

Eddie, who is a patron of the charity, joined fellow patrons actress Debra Stephenson and crime writer Minette Walters at the concert. The celebrity guest line-up was completed by journalist and writer Kate Adie.

He had pledged to try and get to the concert if he could, but with such a busy schedule it seemed unlikely. Julia’s House staff and volunteers were thrilled when, just a few hours before the concert was due to start, he confirmed he would be able to make it after all.

More than 500 people, including families supported by the children’s hospice, attended the evening of festive readings, traditional carols and music, followed by a festive feast of mulled wine and mince pies donated by Tesco.

Sing Now and the Bournemouth Collegiate School Choirs provided musical entertainment alongside a mix of poetry and prose read by the celebrity guests.

There was also a reading by Justin Kline, a parent ambassador who raised £150,000 for Julia’s House in recognition of the care the charity gave his eight-year-old daughter, Sophie, who died of a brain tumour.

This is the second year the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity has hosted the popular concert in support of local life-limited children and their families.

Last year’s concert, held at Wimborne Minster, proved a sell-out success with actor Martin Clunes and fashion designer Jasper Conran among the celebrity guests.

The charity said this year’s concert, sponsored by Holton Homes, has raised more than £13,000, exceeding last year’s target.