COMEDIAN and Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey and former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay will be hosting the 2016 Christie Charity Ball at Manchester Cathedral on March 5.

Long-time friends, Sally and Dave, will host the hospital's major fundraiser with some top name acts still to be announced.

Chorley-based Dave said: “Sally and I have supported The Christie for a long time. The work they do there is absolutely invaluable. I’m so excited to be able to help them as they continue to try and find new, improved treatments for cancer patients.”

Louise Hadley, director of fundraising at The Christie charity, said: “The ball is a fabulous night of entertainment and fundraising. We can’t thank Sally and Dave enough for generously volunteering to host it his year. We know they will be a hilarious double act and keep our guests entertained throughout the night.”

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Last year’s Charity Ball was hosted by BBC Breakfast’s Bill Turnbull and featured performances from Jocelyn Brown and Collabro. The event raised around £150,000 for proton beam therapy research.

Tickets are now on sale from 0161 918 7354 or email specialevents@christies.org.