Ref. 28160-39CRICKLADE crooner Stuart Burnley topped the bill at a sell-out charity concert in aid of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The cabaret artist, who has sold more than 150,000 CDs, performed a range of songs from opera to popular ballads, including material from Nat King Cole and Englebert Humperdinck.

There was also music to dance to from Night Ride, plus a display of young musical talent from students of the Technics Music Academy.

Last night's concert, at the Blunsdon House Hotel, was the 22nd Christmas show organised by veteran fundraiser John Holmes.

Mr Holmes, who runs a music business in Faringdon Road, said it was the best one ever.

"It was absolutely packed a full house," he said.

"We had to keep getting more chairs so everyone could fit in."

The event raised more than £1,700 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano said: "We've made even more than we did last year. People have been giving extra donations all evening."

The Swindon Cancer Appeal, launched by the Evening Advertiser in March, aims to raise £600,000 to provide two specialist Macmillan nurses for the Great Western Hospital.

So far it has raised £202,000.