BRIAN McFadden headed an all-star line-up as an annual charity ball was hailed the best yet.

Carlisle’s 911 singer Lee Brennan masterminded another smash-hit Shine A Light Ball in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust and in memory of his late step-dad Stephen Mcalindon.

And the third annual event, held at Carlisle’s The Shepherd’s Inn on Saturday, proved it’s an occasion that’s going from strength to strength, raising in excess of £15,000 and luring at least one woman from thousands of miles away.

As well as former Westlife star McFadden, the line-up included a surprise appearance by two of the legendary Nolan sisters - Linda and Maureen – who sang some of their family group’s greatest hits, including I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

The sell-out audience was also given a moving reminder about why the fight against cancer among people of all ages is so important.

Carlisle broadcaster John Myers, who compered the previous two balls, clearly struck a chord as opened the evening with an emotional speech about his own battle with throat cancer over the past year, his treatment and how is recovery is progressing.

Former Emmerdale actor Stuart Wade took the reins as host for the year, bringing laughs and cheers from the crowd as he was led into the room sat on a huge throne being lifted by three bodybuilders and singing The Greatest Show along with his four backing singers.

McFadden sang some of Westlife’s greatest hits, to the delight of the crowd and was joined on stage by Brennan for a duet of Uptown Girl.

The organiser and his bandmates also performed a couple of numbers, including their 90s hit Bodyshakin’.

He said: “It was an amazing evening and we’ve had so much great feedback from people already saying how it was the best ball yet and they can’t wait for next year’s. “

Also on stage were 2017 Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kyle Tomlinson, comedian Dean Winter, X Factor operatic trio Tre-Amici, Jersey Boys tribute Big Guys Don’t Cry and Take That tribute group Rule the World.

Carlisle DJs Amp & Dex closed the evening and were joined on stage by Wiggy Clive from 1990s cult ITV show The Hitman & Her.

Members of StagedRight Juniors put on what was described as a beautiful performance, showcasing some of the finest young talent from the Carlisle theatre school.

A charity auction – conducted by city-based auctioneer Colin West - featured prizes ranging from behind the scenes VIP access at ITV’s This Morning to a box at Celtic and Newcastle United to a weekend in London to see the X Factor finals.

Brennan was delighted with the success of the night and "I love producing the ball and seeing everyone enjoying the night.

“But, more importantly, I love seeing how generous people are in helping to raise such great amounts of money for cancer charities.

“Cancer will affect so many of us in our lifetime so it’s vital we all keep helping to raise funds to support all these fantastic charities.

“Myself and Lorna Jenkins work all year to bring the ball to life and really want to thank everyone for their continued support.

“We also had a lady fly 6,000 miles from Malaysia just to be at the ball, which is incredible.”

Tickets for the 2019 Shine A Light Ball in Carlisle – to be held on Saturday, September 28 – will go on sale from 6am on Saturday. It is tipped to be another sell-out.

Meanwhile, the first Shine A Light Ball is to be held in Manchester – at The Hilton in Deansgate – on June 15 next year, with a strong Carlisle contingent expected to be at that event too.

Tickets for both can be bought from www.leebrennan.com. More details are available by emailing shine@theshinealightball.co.uk.