FORMER newsreader Trevor McDonald and actor Tom Hollander paid tribute to Helen and Douglas House after appearing at a concert in aid of the East Oxford hospices.

They gave readings at the Light Up A Life concert, attended by more than 250 people at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, in High Street, on Saturday.

Mr Hollander, star of Pirates of the Caribbean, Valkyrie and In the Loop, said he had been inspired by the care given to his eight-year-old niece Imogen, who has severe cerebral palsy.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be here.Mr Hollander, who read a poem entitled Seagull, added: “Helen and Douglas House is a beacon of support for people.”

Former ITN newsreader Sir Trevor read On Death by Kahlil Gibran. He was a guest at the opening of Douglas House in 2004.

He said: “We don’t always understand the difficulty for parents of these children so I’m full of admiration for their work.”

Singers from Radley College and the Manor School in Abingdon also performed.