Aladdin Panto stars Larry Lamb (Eastenders and Gavin and Stacey) and Joe Tracini ( Hollyoaks) took time out from their busy Christmas show schedule recently to support Marie Curie Cancer Care's appeal for volunteers.

The stars, who were performing in the pantomime at the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon, were joined by fellow cast members Paul Tate (Emperor and Director), Antony Hansen (Aladdin) and Kelly Chinery (Spirit of the Ring).

The cast took part in the charity photo shoot to encourage people to make a New Year's resolution this year to volunteer for Marie Curie's flagship fundraiser, the Great Daffodil Appeal in March.

Local star Paul Tate said "I cannot commend the wonderful work the nurses do enough. I hope that everyone gets behind the Great Daffodil Appeal and helps out in whatever way they can. You really can make a difference by making a commitment to the charity. Every £20 raised will provide an hour of nursing care."

Marie Curie's services are completely free of charge to patients and their families but the charity needs to fundraise as much as possible to ensure that they can continue to deliver these services. The charity needs 23,000 volunteers to give up their time in order to make the Great Daffodil Appeal a success, so sign up today.

Marie Curie has got a role for everyone from Local Appeal Coordinators who will work with the local Marie Curie community fundraising team to plan the local appeal, to Collection Organisers who will help arrange local street collections and recruit volunteer collectors. So whether you've got two hours or two days a week to spare, volunteer today.

If you have any time to donate to Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal, you can join your local team of volunteers by calling Ros, Tracey or Yvonne on 01883 832648.