A LEADING screen actor and acclaimed espionage author will be special guest readers at two Julia’s House Carols by Candlelight services in Poole and Shaftesbury this December.

Guy Henry, who started as Henrik Hanssen in Holby City, and John Le Carre, best known for his novels Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, will be joining local choirs, schools and families for two evenings of musical magic, favourite carols and seasonal readings.

Guy, who also starred in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2, will be joining carol singers at St James’ Church in Poole on Wednesday December 4, whilst former MI6 employee John Le Carre will be at St James’ Church in Shaftesbury on Wednesday December 11.

Community Fundraising Manager Laura Kelly said: “Guy came along last year and did a reading and he went down a storm. People were queueing up to get selfies with him and he was willing to hang around afterwards to have photos as well, so we are really chuffed that he is coming back this year.

“It’s a really lovely community event and the perfect thing to get people in the mood for Christmas. It also gives us a chance to say thank you to all the people that have supported us throughout the year.”

A unique way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, the traditional candlelit services will feature mulled wine and mince pies for everyone to enjoy afterwards.

The service is held in support of Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, which cares for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and provides emotional and practical support to their families.

“It is great to have the celebrities come along and do their reading, but we also get a member of our family to come and do a reading. The people that do reading for us are usual bereft families or member of a family still within our care so they can be very emotional.

“One of the readers from Julia’s House will be 14-year-old Annabelle, who stars in Julia’s House’s Christmas appeal. She, along with her younger brother Robbie, both suffer for Juvenile Batten’s Disease, a rare neurodegenerative disease which can lead to partial or complete loss of sight, heart problems and seizures.

“They have a care team visit their home so that their family can do things together. We care for both children and they wanted to support the appeal.”

The charity relies on public donations to run its vital service – it only receives five per cent Government funding - and currently looks after 166 families across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Tickets for both events are the same at £15 for adults and £5 for children. Doors for both events open at 6.15pm with the services starting at 7pm.

If you want to join in the Christmas spirit with Julia’s House and their special guest readers, tickets are available at www.juliashouse.org or you can call them at 01202 644220 or visit the Julia’s House shops.