HOLLYWOOD heartthrob Mel Gibson and pop icon Robbie Williams have stepped in to support the Charlie Jarvis cancer fund.

Actor Mel, famous for roles such as Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, heard about the Swindon youngster's fight against cancer and sent a signed 5ft poster from America to help fundraising efforts.

The poster, which was used to promote his recent film We Were Soldiers, is currently displayed in the window of Virgin Megastore in the Brunel Shopping Centre. It will be auctioned in a closed bid on December 4.

And Robbie Williams, who has just signed a £80m record deal with EMI, has also backed the campaign by donating signed photographs.

The pictures of Robbie will be up for grabs in a raffle on November 15 to raise money for Charlie's cancer appeal.

If you want to submit a bid for Mel's poster, visit the store where you can pick up the relevant forms.

Denise Chesterman is a close friend of the Jarvis family and is the woman with a network of famous friends.

Denise, 50, said: "I know someone who works with Mel in America and he signed the poster for her and sent it over.

"We have put the poster in a frame and it looks fantastic. Mel is very popular and I think the poster could raise a lot of money."

Denise, from Dulverton Avenue, has also managed to secure signed photos of former Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry, which will be among a bonanza of goodies to be won at the raffle at the Pressed Steel Club in Bridge End Road, Lower Stratton. Tickets, price £10, are available on Swindon 823586.

Charlie, four, from Greenmeadow, is suffering from a rare cancer. Donations to the appeal can be paid into the Charlie Jarvis Cancer Fund account at Barclays Bank, Old Town, sort code 20-84-58, account number 60741663.