CHARLIE Jarvis's fight against cancer has received celebrity backing, with Swindon television presenter and model Melinda Messenger preparing to compere a fundraising charity concert.

The Swindon celebrity read about the four-year-old Greenbridge youngster's plight in the Evening Advertiser and got in touch with the her family to ask if she could aid the cause.

She has agreed to help boost the appeals coffers by hosting this Sunday's charity concert at the Brunel Rooms, featuring the Rollin' Clones, Mimi and Mr Christmas.

People in the town have taken the youngster to their hearts and have raised more than £80,000 to help fund pioneering treatment at an American clinic which could prolong her life.

Charlie's father, Paul Jarvis, said: "It was completely unexpected to have Melinda Messenger come forward and volunteer to help us.

"We are totally bowled over. We have received so much support from everyone in Swindon."

He added that Charlie was scheduled to have a scan on October 1 when doctors will be able to determine how far her cancer has spread, if at all.

It is hoped that the concert will raise a further £20,000 towards the fund total.

Earlier in the year, Charlie's parents were told by doctors in this country that Charlie had only months to live, but they were determined to continue the fight for their daughter and have pinned their hopes on the treatment at the private Bruzinski Clinic in Houston, Texas.

Charlie, from Greenbridge, suffers from a form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma which has formed tumours throughout her body and brain.

Tickets, costing £8.50, are available from Asda Wal-Mart, Abbey Meads (customer services), Minuteman Press, the Swiss Chalet Pub in Gorse Hill and the town centre branch of Woolworths.

To donate directly to the Charlie Jarvis Cancer Fund money can be paid into the charity bank account: HSBC Devizes sort code 40-19-16 a/c name Charlie Jarvis Cancer Fund.