CHRISTMAS celebrations are off to a fine start for a Northwich charity after a £30,000 festive bonus.

The Joshua Tree’s patron Mark Radcliffe and his wife Bella organised a star-studded event at the Cinnamon Club, in Bowden, where more than 200 guests enjoyed a concert and auction.

The night featured music from The Beautiful South’s Paul Heaton with Jacqueline Abbott, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and Dominic Halpin and the Honeybees.

Noddy Holder, from Slade, joined BBC DJ and presenter Mark to auction off items such as V festival VIP tickets, One Direction concert tickets, music based art and signed collectables by David Bowie, Humphrey Littleton, Kate Bush, Stone Roses, Johnny Marr and Manchester City FC.

Jo Pritchard, charity manager, said: “Thank you so much to Bella, Mark and Noddy, all the artists and support staff, The Cinnamon Club, all who donated raffle and auction items, volunteered their time and made the evening such a resounding success – we had such a good time and are so grateful, thank you.”

Lynda Hill, who founded the charity with her husband Dai, said: “What an incredible night! One which I will never forget.

“So many wonderful people and what an amazing Team Bella and Mark make.

“We can't thank them enough.”

The Joshua Tree’s grand raffle has also been drawn, with the help of children from Witton Church Walk CE Primary School.

The raffle, which included a Eurocamp family holiday, clay pigeon shoot, bike and afternoon tea for two among its many prizes, raised more than £1,900.

Jo said: “Prizewinners are from as far away as North Wales and all over Cheshire, which means awareness of The Joshua Tree’s work is gradually spreading around the areas we can help most.”

Volunteer Val Cotterill, from Whitegate, helped The Joshua Tree organise it’s annual ladies’ lunch at Vale Royal Abbey on Friday, which raised more than £1,100.

Diners were treated to welcome drinks, Christmas shopping from an array of stalls, a two-course lunch and a talk by Sally Inkster, from Diva Dressing.

The charity has also been given a £415 donation from Mid Cheshire Flower Club, which raised it during a raffle on its open evening.