It's no joke – comedian Helen Lederer has been announced as the special guest at a fundraising event in Weymouth.

The Absolutely Fabulous star will be providing the laughs at a Weymouth & Portland Lions Club charity cabaret night.

The event, which also features local pianist and comic Matt Black and magician Rus Andrews, is in aid of Dorset-based cancer charity GO Girls, which support women with gynaecological cancers. Helen Lederer is patron of the charity.

Organisers say tickets are sure to sell out quickly so they are urging people to purchase theirs without delay.

Comedian, writer and actress Helen Lederer was part of the alternative comedy boom in the 1980s.

Her TV work includes The Young Ones, Naked Video, Bottom, and French and Saunders. She later teamed up with Jennifer Saunders again when she played Catriona in Absolutely Fabulous.

The comic said: “I am thrilled to be supporting GO Girls at this charity event. GO Girls is a cause very close to my heart. Let’s hope we can raise as much money as possible to help them continue with their incredible work."

The evening will also feature the auction of an original painting by acclaimed local artist Paul Liggins, plus there will be a turn from drag queen Marley Boo.

Hilary Maxwell, CEO & Chairman of GO Girls said: “We are so excited. Having our patron, Helen, with us for this incredible night is phenomenal. We cannot thank all the performers enough for generously donating their time to support GO Girls. It promises to be a fantastic evening with something for everyone: after all who doesn’t like a touch of music, humour and magic?

"The evening also coincides with Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month so it’s even more special.”

Lions club members Kevin Brookes and John Kelly have been co-ordinating the event for GO Girls and hope to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

“Tickets are bound to sell quickly with our star-studded line-up”, said Mr Brookes.

He added: “Supporting great causes and our community is what the Lions are all about and we are delighted to be supporting GO Girls. It would be lovely to see local businesses supporting the event too – a great opportunity to entertain corporate clients.”

The charity cabaret night is on Friday, March 20 at Weymouth Golf Club, doors open at 7pm.

Tickets are £15 and include a pie supper.

To buy your ticket visit https://billetto.co.uk/e/charity-cabaret-night-tickets-407973/ or via the GO Girls event page www.gogirlssupport.org or call 07834 476006.