THE stars came out last night to create a little Christmas magic for Oxford Children’s Hospital.

Monty Python actor Michael Palin, actresses Wendy Craig and Hannah Gordon and musical lyricist Sir Tim Rice entertained about 600 people at the Dorchester Abbey Christmas Concert.

There was also a reading from Erin Brewer, nine, who has cystic fibrosis.

She been treated at the hospital since she was born.

The past three concerts have raised a total of £150,000 for the hospital, funding state-of-the-art incubators and specialist equipment that helps sick babies to go through the MRI scanner without being moved from their incubator.

Each celebrity gave a reading specially chosen for the event, followed by a performance from the Winchester Cathedral Choir.

Oxford University Hospitals Trust spokesman Sarah Vaccari said: “The Dorchester committee works tirelessly to create these fabulous events which signal the start of Christmas for us.

“They fund medical equipment that has made a real difference to young lives.

“We are incredibly grateful for the work everyone put in.”