A WHOLE host of celebrities, including Coronation Street and Hollyoaks stars, descended on Bolton at the weekend for a special showcase.

Thousands of people flocked to Bolton Arena to see first-hand some of their favourite vehicles from the big screen as well as meeting and greeting a number of VIPs. Corrie actress and former glamour model Nikki Sanderson and Nicole Barber-Lane, who plays infamous McQueen mum Myra in Hollyoaks, were among the visitors to the venue on Sunday.

The event, which is in its fifth year, gives people of all ages the chance to see replicas of their favourite movie and TV vehicles up close - and all for a very worthy cause.

All of the profits raised at Stars & Cars go to Derian House Children’s Hospice, which offers respite and end-of-life care to more than 400 children and young people from across the North West.

This year’s event featured the Batmobile, Optimus Prime, Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, Maverick’s bike from Top Gun, and Lightning McQueen from Disney’s Cars.

Charlie Carter, aged eight, who visited the event with his dad David, said: “It’s been really good. My favourite thing has been seeing the Batmobile Tumblr. It was awesome.” Visitors also had the chance to learn some top tips from world record-holding freestyle footballer and CBBC TV presenter John Farnworth, who was on hand to wow the crowd with his skills.

Chewbacca, Disney princesses, other movie favourites and The Stig from Top Gear brought the event to life.

Organiser Mick Croskery, who is the community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “This year’s Stars & Cars event has been the biggest and best yet. It just keeps getting better every year. We’ve had a sell-out crowd and it’s been amazing seeing the children’s faces when they meet their favourite stars. Organising the event takes an incredible amount of work from a lot of people and I’d like to thank all of the staff and volunteers who have given up their time to help raise money for the children and young people at Derian House — you’ve done them proud.”

The 2016 and 2017 events have raised almost £20,000 for the charity. It costs more than £4million per year to run Derian House.