EASTENDERS star Shane Richie has today agreed to host a show in Weymouth after being touched by the tragic story of car crash victims Lucy and Catherine Breakwell.

The award-winning actor, who plays the Queen Vic landlord Alfie Moon, has rearranged his filming schedule to present a cabaret and auction to be held at the sisters' former workplace, the Riviera Hotel, on October 24.

Comedian Bobby Davro has also cancelled a concert to perform at the event and other stars have promised to send items for the auction. Shane will be bringing along the Albert Square street sign to sell to the highest bidder.

Lee Carroll, Hollybush Hotels' entertainment manager said: "We have confirmed today that Shane Richie is going to be coming along to spend the day and the whole evening with the family and our guests.

"Everybody that we contacted has been really brilliant so far. They are people I have worked with through the last 25 years.

"I've never asked for any freebies from them, but I sent them copies of the Echo articles about Lucy and Catherine and it has just touched so many hearts. Every single one of them has come through with offers to help, even if they can't be here.

"It is just great for the area and for the cause. Lucy and Catherine were waitresses at the Riviera and because it is such a close-knit community here their deaths have affected us all."

The three-and-a-half hour spectacular has been organised at short notice to fit in with the resort's busy diary.

More than 300 tickets, costing £7, will be on sale from Monday at the Riviera Hotel in Bowleaze Cove and at the Hotel Prince Regent on The Esplanade.

"We want the locals of Weymouth and Portland to come and patronise this event in memory of two local girls who were very dear to our hearts," Mr Carroll said.

All the money raised will be donated to the Catherine and Lucy Breakwell Memorial Fund that was launched at the sisters' funeral to support cancer and animal welfare charities, and to buy memorials to the girls.

Joe Pasquale, Jimmy Cricket, Little and Large, and Gary Wilmot have all offered items including tour jackets, signed pictures and DVDs for the auction.

Mr Carroll has appealed for local businesses to follow suit by donating anything that can be auctioned off by Shane Richie. "We are willing to take anything from any local businesses - they will all be gratefully received," he said.

Karen Breakwell, the girls' mother, Catherine's dad Paul Moody and Lucy's dad Steve Rowledge said: "This sort of response from those who knew and cared about Lucy and Catherine and from those stars who did not have the joy of knowing them makes us proud to be their parents. Our girls continue to do us proud.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Lee Carroll for organising this wonderful event, which would not have been possible without the co-operation of Martyn Harrison, the owner of Hollybush Hotels."