STARS of the hit comedy Phoenix Nights returned to their spiritual home to take part in a fun-filled charity night.

Stand-up comedian Dave Spikey, who plays resident compere Jerry St Clair, and Paddy McGuinness, who plays bouncer Paddy, entertained the sell-out audience at St Gregory's Club, Church Street, in Farnworth, where the programme was filmed.

Bolton-born comedian Peter Kay, who plays club owner Brian Potter and bouncer Max, as well as co-writes the show, was unable to turn-up.

However, co-star and writer Dave Spikey, who is from Chorley, made everyone's night by taking part in a question and answer session, telling a few jokes and running the bingo game.

He also revealed that TV host Carol Vordermann is a huge fan of the show and had wanted to attend the charity night.

Fans who packed out the venue competed in a special Phoenix Nights quiz, karaoke session and took part in the raffle, with the top prize being a signed script from the show.

Even club act The Rumburgers, who featured in the judging section at the end of the programmes, turned up to join in the fun.

Dedicated Peter Kay fans Steve Wood and Gavin Horrocks helped to organise the charity night, which raised more than £1,000 for seriously ill Great Lever youngster Nathan Howarth, who suffers from a rare genetic illness, and the Pets Rehome organisation.

Steve, aged 28, from Leigh, produces his own fanzine in homage to Peter, called Not Even Irish, while Gavin runs the comedian's unofficial website.

They were overwhelmed by the demand for tickets and were thrilled that 200 fans made the effort to travel to Farnworth from all over the North-west.

Steve said: "We had no idea how the night would go, but everyone had a brilliant time.

"The cast members were fantastic. They couldn't do enough for people and were happy to chat and answer questions.

"We had hoped Peter would be able to come along as he wasn't playing live that night, but he might not have had a relaxing time as he would have been besieged by people wanting to speak to him."

The charity night, which was held on Friday, was such a success that there are plans to repeat it in the summer.