HUNDREDS of people turned out for the Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight concert along with celebrities Julian Fellowes and John Le Carre.

The sold-out event at Wimborne Minster on Wednesday saw AFC Bournemouth manager and Julia’s House patron Eddie Howe attend for the second year running.

There was a festive mix of music, carols and readings followed by mince pies and mulled wine in aid of the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity.

John Le Carre said: “I love the Minster, I love the company and I love the cause. I wanted to come last year but couldn’t so I am delighted to be here.”

This year’s concert raised more than £14,000 and proved so popular it had a waiting list.

There are already plans to have two Dorset dates next year.

The Wimborne event was hot on the heels of the Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight in Devizes, home to the charity’s Wiltshire children’s hospice which opened in May.

Guests there heard readings by author Penny Junor and actress Stephanie Cole plus a pair of camels who were led into the service by their owner Lady Chichester.