A SPECTACULAR charity gala with more than than 150 artists from across Worcestershire raised about £4,000 for Leukaemia CARE.

Singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and actors put on a superb show at the Malvern Theatre Forum. Both they and all the backstage, production and administrative staff gave their services free to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

The event was organised by the National Operatic and Dramatic Society (NODA) and Trevor Guest, the Worcester representative of NODA, pronounced it a great success.

He said: "It was a sell-out, 700 seats. An excellent day, everybody was brilliant. When we started at 10am for lighting and sound checks it was the first time we had all got together. The whole day went really well and I would like to thank everybody who contributed to the concert and everybody who bought the tickets. It was tremendous.

"The evening was the result of more than 12 months of planning, which at times seemed quite daunting. So many people have been involved and I sincerely thank them all. My thanks go also to the groups and individuals who took part, those on stage, back stage, front of house and all the technical people.

“Eight music and drama groups provided a variety of entertainment and with the inimitable Worcester born Barry North - who travelled from his home in Weston Super Mare where he treads the boards - as compere."

Leukaemia CARE, based in Worcester, is 40 years old this year, and the charity are holding 40 fund-raising events during 2009.