The country's top comedians are being lined up to perform at a star-studded concert to raise funds for Helen and Douglas House.

Stars, including Catherine Tate and Jimmy Carr, are being sought for the third Childish Things comedy gig which takes palce at the New Theatre on Sunday, March 4, at 7.30pm.

John Lloyd, who runs the QI bookshop and restaurant in Turl Street, is hoping to persuade stars of the BBC TV show of the same name, including host Stephen Fry, to turn up on the night.

It will be the third time that celebrities, actors and comedians have banded together to raise money for the East Oxford hospice, which cares for children and young adults with life-limiting illnesses.

Event fundraiser Lizzie Pickering, whose son Harry attended Helen House before his death aged six from a form of muscular dystrophy in 2000, said the aim was to sell out the 1,800-seat theatre.

She added: "We had a gap last year because of clashes between different events but we will be back stronger than ever, and more big names are coming on board all the time for a great night of music and comedy.

"We would be over the moon if we sold out, but even if we sold 1,000 tickets it would be fantastic.

"Harry went to Helen House for four-and-a-half years for respite care before he died and the place became just like a family home for us."

Mrs Pickering, from Lyneham, near Chipping Norton, said the TV documentary, Children of Helen House, now being shown on BBC2, would feature an episode on February 13 about the second Childish Things concert.

In 2005, Rob Brydon and young Oxfordshire singing sensation Zoe Mace took part in a star-studded show, together with actor Stephen Tompkinson.

And in 2004, the first Childish Things event was staged featuring Hugh Laurie, Steve Coogan and Jude Law, raising about £50,000.

Tickets for Childish Things 3 cost £20, and acts confirmed so far include Rory McGrath, best known for being a regular participant on They Think It's All Over and David Armand, who was a huge hit at Childish Things 2.

Julia Morris, the Australian comedian, will be appearing for the second time, together with Lucy Porter, who has been a consistent sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival with her showThe Good Life.

There is a £1 per ticket discount on offer for groups of 10 or more. You can buy tickets from the Ticketmaster website or by calling 0870 6063500.

Visit the website www.helenanddouglas.org for the latest updates about acts being signed up for the event.