Comic legend Bill Bailey and actresses Sylvia Syms and Helen George joined over 200 people for The Mayhew star-studded fundraiser in West London to help raise over £10,000 for abused and neglected animals.

The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green, North West London held its third annual fundraising event, Tinsel and Tails, at St Paul’s Church in Hammersmith last month.

Screen siren, Sylvia Syms gave a reading alongside her daughter, Beatie Edney, an actress. Sylvia is a lifelong supporter of the Mayhew and recently adopted a dog called Bunny, who came into the rescue centre with a distressing skin condition. She is now making a full recovery

Call the Midwife’s Helen George joined guests who were wined and dined during a fun-filled festive evening of entertainment. Vintage Singing Duo, Violet and Verity gave a star performance which had the audience on their feet.

A luxury auction and raffle was held with a fantastic selection of prizes including holidays to Morocco and the South of France. A solid silver bracelet and earrings were donated by Andrew Prince, a designer who has made jewellery for Downton Abbey. He gave the prize in memory of his dog Gooseberry who sadly passed away.

Bill Bailey, who has five rescue dogs, a cat, a parrot, a snake and some pigeons in his two bedroom flat in West London said: “This is a fantastic event which raises awareness of the plight of rescue animals. When we got our rescue dogs they were just skin and bone but we helped them make a full recovery. I’m so glad we can help the Mayhew to rescue so many pets. They do a magnificent job.”

Helen George and actor Peter Egan were amongst those who performed readings about animals.

Feature photo credit: Graham Hilling