A STAR-studded charity ball will return to Carlisle next year.

The sell-out Shine A Light fundraiser was organised by Carlisle-born pop star Lee Brennan, of boy band 911, in memory of his stepdad.

Speaking to the News & Star, he said he hopes to have raised £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in thanks for everything they did for Steve McAlindon during his battle with lung cancer.

"He passed away eight years ago and Macmillan were really important for support," said Lee. " He lived in Carlisle and worked as a painter and decorator. He lived for the weekends on Botchergate.

"He was a lovely, gentle guy."

Saturday's event was held at the Shepherd’s Inn and headlined by Lee and his 911 band mates.

Celebrity guests included Coronation Street actress Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, and her actor husband Rob Beck, who has appeared in Emmerdale, Brookside and Hollyoaks.

Fellow soap star Stuart Wade, who played Biff in Emmerdale, was also there, along with Edele Lynch of chart-topping girl band B*Witched and X Factor finalist Jake Quickenden, who both performed.

Classical group Tre Amici opened the night, while Cumbria’s Olympic runner Tom Farrell also attended after returning from Rio.

Lee said the ball was so successful it will definitely return in 2017, with details to be revealed soon.

"We've had some amazing feedback. All the celebrities loved it. I've had texts from them all," he said.

"It was a total sell out. We are going to do it again and make it even bigger with more celebrities.

"It was fun to perform. I had to do that really. Everyone was up on their feet. There was a real buzz.

"Everything was just right - the venue, the way it was decorated, the food, the entertainment and the crowd."

He thanked Lorna Jenkins for helping to organise the event.

David McNeill, who runs Carlisle’s StagedRight theatre school, was among the 200 guests and said it was amazing.

“It was the best ball I’ve ever been to. From the moment you walked in it was just party, party, party,” he said.

“Having the celebrities there was great. Everyone was just up for a good time and raising a lot of money for Macmillan.

“Edele and Jake were both fantastic and it was great seeing 911. I’ve directed Lee in panto but never seen 911.

“The whole thing was beautifully planned and they’ve decided to do it again next year. I will definitely be there.”

He added that the Mystery Men - a group waiters who suddenly burst into song - were the surprise act of the night.

Border TV favourite John Myers compered the ball - a black tie evening with three course meal. There was also an auction and a raffle.

Pop star Lee, who grew up in Harraby and Currock, has himself been affected by cancer, battling Hodgkin Lymphoma - a rare form of the illness - when he was younger.

The 42-year-old returns to Carlisle every few months if his schedule allows. Having just finished a tour performing in Footloose the musical, he said he is moving to Manchester in a few weeks.

"It's been the best thing ever. My character was a comedy role and I've had some really nice reviews. Fingers crossed I can push forward and get some more musical roles," said Lee.

*For more pictures, see the next edition of Carlisle Living. On sale from September 29.