LAUGHTER was the best medicine when a host of stars turned out for a tribute to Portland sisters Lucy and Catherine Breakwell.
EastEnders' Alfie Moon - actor Shane Richie - joined comedian Bobby Davro and Soccer AM's Helen Chamberlain in a rip-roaring tribute to Lucy and Catherine during a sell-out show at Weymouth's Riviera Hotel.
The girls, who lived in New Street on the island and worked at the Bowleaze Cove complex, were killed last month when the car they were driving home from a function crashed into a tree near their home.
Last night more than 350 of the girls' family, friends and well-wishers were entertained for nearly five hours by the TV stars and a dozen other comedy, song and dance acts, all invited by the Riviera's entertainment manager Lee Carroll.
Award-winning actor Richie, who plays the popular Queen Vic landlord, compred an auction of celebrity goodies and memorabilia with Helen Chamberlain.
Performers including Level 42, Joe Pasquale and Duran Duran also sent a host of signed photos and gifts.
Richie, 40, told the Echo: "It was a brilliant night, and the least we could do. I wanted to come to this even though I have to be up in six hours, filming the EastEnders Christmas special."
He helped raise thousands of pounds during the all-ticket evening - including £750 for a signed Albert Square sign - which will go towards two memorial benches for the girls, plus donations to the charities Breast Cancer Care and Pet Rescue.
Crowds of people queued for an autograph and to have their photo taken with the TV favourite before he left. Comedian Bobby Davro, who cancelled another function to come to Weymouth, rounded off the cabaret with a trademark rousing performance.
Before going on he said: "As a father of three girls myself I cannot begin to imagine how the girls' parents must feel.
"Anything we can do is a privilege, especially if we can make them laugh when they must need it."
Both Davro and Richie spent several hours with the sisters' family before the show, and there was standing room only in the hotel's ballroom when the night began at 7.30pm.
Hundreds had come from Weymouth and Portland, along with dozens from Wolverhampton - home of many Breakwell family members and friends. During the show the sisters' mother Karen Breakwell said: "What can I say - just look at all these people.
"It is a tremendous feeling to realise that they were all here for the girls and I thank everyone who has honoured them for the princesses they were."
Catherine's father Paul Moodie said: "Can I say a huge thank you to Lee Carroll, Shane Richie, Bobby Davro and everyone who took part.
"Tonight is all about what our girls were about - full of life, fun, entertainment and caring for others."
Steve Rowledge, father of Lucy, added: "So many people have been touched by what happened to Lucy and Catherine. I will never forget this evening."
Riviera workers Lisa and June Wyatt brought three friends along from Weymouth to see the show.
Receptionist Lisa, 34, from Dundee Road, said: "It was a fantastic evening. The staff were devastated by the death of the girls."
The evening's organiser Lee Carroll said Weymouth and Portland had come through for the girls.
He said: "It was great my friends in showbusiness could also help."
Riviera Hotel owner Martyn Harrison added: "The staff have really pulled together. Everyone is still a bit overwhelmed by what happened."
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