PHOENIX Nights star Patrick McGuinness stepped into the ring to help boost a charity show in aid of cancer victim Gemma Feeney.

Patrick, who plays doorman Paddy in the hit Peter Kay show, helped to auction items to raise cash at the charity Thai Boxing show in Warrington.

The event was organised by Sandy Holt, of Bolton Thai Boxing Club, and Dave Jackson, of Warrington Thai-Boxing Club, after Gemma's plight was highlighted in the Bolton Evening News.

Gemma, aged 16, from Deane, needs to raise £25,000 to have life-saving surgery in America to remove a tumour from her spine.

Among the lots for auction was a pair of Sandy's boxing gloves, signed by Bolton Olympic star Amir Khan.

Patrick has recently filmed a new series with Peter Kay, entitled Road to Nowhere. It features the further exploits of the Phoenix Nights doormen Max and Paddy.

Patrick donated a Phoenix Nights script, signed by himself and Peter, which brought in £550 at auction.

The £1,500 raised will be split between Gemma's family and the family of 17-year-old Thai boxer Cherie Lee Cox, who died from leukaemia in July.