TOP stand-up comedian Michael McIntyre dedicated one of his warm-up shows for his new tour to Julia’s House.

Nurses and fundraising staff joined the star at the Duchess Theatre in London for an exclusive night of fundraising for the charity as he prepared for his 2015 UK and Ireland tour.

In the audience were film director Guy Ritchie and his fiancée Jacqui Ainslie, who are both patrons of the Dorset children’s hospice charity.

The comedian told guests: “The proceeds from tonight’s performance are going directly to Julia’s House children’s hospice.

“This wonderful charity cares for seriously ill children and their families in Dorset and south Wiltshire.

“I am particularly proud because Wiltshire is now my home county.”

He went on to rally the audience to contribute to a retiring collection for the charity which funds a hospice at Corfe Mullen and provides home support for the families of youngsters with life-limiting conditions.

“Some of the charity’s nurses are here with us tonight so please give what you can to this wonderful cause,” he said. “We’re very grateful for your support.”

Michael McIntyre, whose Happy and Glorious tour begins at Cardiff next September and ends in Leeds in December, has pledged to stage an additional charity show for Julia’s House children’s hospice in Wiltshire next autumn.

Julia’s House offers a home-based respite care service for life-limited children living just over the Dorset border in south Wiltshire.

It also organises social events and support for their families.

The charity is currently recruiting for extra nurses to support the growing number of referrals and demand for the service in the county.