THE sun managed to break through just in time for Coronation Street star Chris Finch to cut the ribbon at Bolton Hospice's Yellow Summer Gala.

Made famous by his role as gay nurse Karl Foster, Bolton-born Chris even wore a yellow T-shirt especially for the occasion.

Children and adults flocked round asking for his autograph and crowd-pleaser Chris was more than happy to oblige.

The 25-year-old former Turton School pupil, who still lives with his parents in Bromley Cross, said: "I'm Bolton born and bred so am happy to lend my face to anything that helps a good cause."

Despite an internet campaign launched by devoted fans, Chris's character left Wetherfield two weeks ago, but producers of the ITV soap say the door has been very firmly left open for him.

Chris said: "It is all a bit mad really. I was only in Corrie for six months, but the character I played and the story-line was very high impact and short-lived.

"I would love Karl to feature when Bruno Langley's character Todd leaves at the end of the year, but I don't know what the future will hold.

"In the meantime, I would like to get into dramas.

"It would be nice to play something completely different to Karl, but time will tell!"

The annual yellow-themed event opened at the Queen's Park Street hospice on Saturday with activities running throughout the day. An action-packed programme for all the family included stalls, raffles, games and competitions, as well as a visit from Welephant, entertainment from RJ's Majorettes and a specialist children's entertainer.

A yellow Rover MG ZR was up for grabs for just a £1 raffle ticket. The winner will be revealed later this year. Visitors were also given the opportunity to buy yellow ribbons in memory of a loved-one, which were placed on a tree in the grounds.

All money raised from the event will go to Bolton Hospice and organisers are hoping to beat last year's total of £4,000.

Debra Graham, director of fundraising, said: "Everybody was praying for good weather and we were lucky that the rain cleared up just in time.

"But with all the yellow outfits around we brought the sunshine ourselves!

"It didn't keep people away and around 1,000 people came through the doors over the course of the day which is brilliant. I think someone must have been smiling down on us."