TV quizmaster Chris Tarrant is lending his support to an evening of Christmas readings and music at Worcester Cathedral.

The former King's School pupil, who now presents Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Tarrant on TV, will contribute a reading as part of the event, on Saturday, December 20.

He will be joined by Julia Hills, who appears in the BBC's comedy 2.4 Children, and Eric Allan, alias Bert Fry in Radio 4's The Archers, who also have connections with Worcestershire and will be giving readings.

The St James's singers, from St James's School, in West Malvern, will also be taking part in the event.

Pupils will be joining the cathedral choir, under the direction of organist and master of choristers Adrian Lucas, to produce a programme that blends modern and traditional themes.

The event is being staged to raise the profile of a £5 million appeal being launched for the cathedral in March.

The Worcester Appeal for Music and Light aims to fund two new organs and provide financial support for choristers. Another key aim is the improvement of lighting in all areas of the cathedral.

The event starts at 7pm and tickets are available from Huntingdon Hall box office on 01905 611427, priced £35, including supper and mulled wine after the concert.