JASON Donovan delighted fans when he visited Worcester to officially launch a £1 million appeal for a county charity.

The former Neighbours star and teenage heart-throb joined more than 100 guests for the Noah's Ark Trust champagne reception and lunch held at the Worcester Rugby Club yesterday.

The jungle-themed event, which included a raffle and auction, raised more than £6,500 and kicked off the 10th anniversary appeal for the charity - which supports bereaved children, young people and their families across Worcestershire and Herefordshire - in style.

The primary aim of the appeal is to raise enough cash to buy a house which will become a base for the co-ordination of all bereavement services for Noah's Ark.

Jason, aged 38 - who even bagged himself a hamper in the raffle - said that he was delighted to be able to add his support to such a worthwhile charity.

"I got involved through a friend of mine, Nigel Clay, who is the chairman of trustees," he said.

"I consider myself a public figure and if I can help to draw attention to such a great charity then I consider it an honour.

"There are national charities which gain so much support and attention, yet smaller charities like Noah's Ark do equally as important work and deserve recognition.

"I have a young son and daughter myself and the thought of them losing a parent is unthinkable."

He also entertained guests with tales from his jungle experience on I'm A Celebrity, reminisced about his time in Ramsay Street and revealed that he was working on some new melodic tracks which will be available for download in the near future.

Guests at the event - who dined on jungle-themed food aptly called bushtucker beef and kookaburrah cake - included Worcester Mayor Ian Imray, Noah's Ark patron and antique expert Henry Sandon, and hard core fans who had travelled from across the country to meet their hero.

Lucy Davies, from Tenbury Wells, bid more than £200 to win herself an Australia goodie bag, two tickets to Jason's forthcoming concert at the Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and backstage passes.

"I've been a fan since I was nine and I've had such a great day," the 25-year-old said.

"It's been quite expensive but it's been worth every penny for such a worthwhile charity. You can't put a price on memories."

Gabby Beddows, director of operation at Noah's Ark, said: "It was an absolutely wonderful day.

"Jason has helped to make it such a fantastic success and we are now relying on everyone else to support us and help us reach our £1 million goal."

To organise a fund-raising event for Noah's Ark call 01905 745735 or visit www.noahsarktrust.co.uk