A STAR-STUDDED Ladies Lunch held in Greenock Town Hall has raised a fantastic �5,500 for charity.

The annual event, which gathered much-needed cash for the Ardgowan Hospice and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow, was hosted by TV presenter Michelle McManus and featured performances from local star Jean Johansson and Britain's Got Talent singer Edward Reid.

Former Pop Idol contestant Michelle also belted out a couple of songs to entertain the crowds at Sunday's big bash.

Presenter Jean, from Port Glasgow, added to the glamour of the event when she took to the stage to perform a pasodoble dance.

The former STV weathergirl has been mastering the dance since December and is in training for a Scottish charity version of Strictly Come Dancing which will take place at the Hilton in Glasgow on 17 March.

Every year the successful Ladies Lunch is organised by staff at the family-run Buckley's Firth Hotel in Gourock.

Owner Tony Buckley's daughter Kyla normally takes on one of the lead organising roles but she decided to take a step back this year having just completed chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

Kyla recently raised a massive �18,000 for the oncology unit at Inverclyde Royal Hospital after bravely sharing the story of her fight with cancer.

She also found time to give a helping hand to her sister Stacey Gatens and aunt Lorraine Morgan who organised the successful lunch.

Kyla said: "It was a really great day.

"The performers were excellent and everyone enjoyed themselves.

"The �5,500 will be split between the Ardgowan Hospice and the Prince and Princess Hospice." Jean Johansson, who lives in Skelmorlie, performed with professional dance partner Bobby Cranston.

She added: "It was a fantastic afternoon and I was delighted to be involved.

"It was a great dress rehearsal for me too.

"All the ladies were a great support and they were up on their feet for me.

"I am confident about the routine but just have to work on the finishing touches ahead of the event on 17 March." Jean will perform with six other contestants in a dance-off, which has been named (A Little Less) Strictly Come Dancing, at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

It will be compered by presenters Carol Smillie and Angus Purden, with all money raised through votes going to The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.

She is hoping that local people get behind her, as text votes, along with points scored on the night, will determine who wins a glitterball trophy.

You can support Jean by texting DANCE JEAN to 70100.

Texts cost �1 with money going to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

- All the photgraphs of the event can be viewed at www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/photosales. Photos can be bought for �5 each, or are available on offer using the code 'Ladies' to buy four, get one free.