A FESTIVE celebration of music, art and poetry rounded off a 'landmark' 60th anniversary year for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

More than 200 people attended the event at Thornton Manor, hosted by Angela Samata.

It featured entertainment from The Luminelles and Over The Water choirs, conducted by Matt Lammin.

Acclaimed mezzo soprano Kathryn Rudge performed a series of songs, including O Holy Night and The Christmas Song.

She also joined the choirs for a rendition of Somewhere In My Memory, from the film Home Alone.

Wirral-based photographer and performing artist Mike McCartney read Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem by Maya Angelou and poet Mandy Coe shared some of her wonderful work embracing the themes of joy, love and laughter.

Professor Dan Palmer, medical oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, addressed the audience about the importance of research in the future of cancer treatment, while patient Becky Brothwood spoke to the guests about her treatment.

Becky, now in her third year at Bangor University, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2015.

She said: "From the moment of my arrival at The “Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, my family and I were met with comfort, warmth and reassurance.

"It is a spectacular place that manages to incorporate professionalism with compassion in all the care they give.

"I was so lucky to have such a thorough and comfortable place to have my treatment."

After the concert there was an exhibition of artwork and photography by Mike McCartney, acclaimed sculptor Emma Rodgers, works from De Lacy Fine Art, Wirral Grammar School for Girls and Prof Arthur Sun Myint, who is a medical oncologist at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Katrina Bury, head of The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said: "The evening was a fitting end to what has been a wonderful year of celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

"I would like to thank all the performers and speakers who contributed to a very special evening, as well as our hosts at Thornton Manor which was the perfect venue.

"The words of the speakers were inspiring and the poetry, art and music was simply fantastic.

"I would also like to thank everyone who joined us for the event.

"I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did and we wish you all a very happy Christmas."