ENTERTAINERS Dean Park and William Allan led a distinguished collection of well-kent faces who supported the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice at their annual Celebration of Burns last night.

Former River City actress Libby McArthur played host while after-dinner speaker Len Murray gave the toast to the lassies and Scots language fanatic Sheila Gilmore gave the toast to the laddies.

There was a wee dram for everyone at the event at the Hilton hotel in Glasgow, including 600 hospice supporters, with entertainment from ceilidh band Callanish and an opportunity to buy original artwork by artists who live and work in Scotland.

"Our Celebration of Burns is one of our favourite events in the calendar," said Rhona Baillie, chief executive of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.

"Not only do we get the opportunity to toast our Bard but it is also a firm favourite with our supporters who join together in supporting the patients and families who use Glasgow's hospice."

The hospice, on the River Clyde in Glasgow, exists to help patients with life-limiting illnesses achieve the best quality of life possible for the precious time they have remaining.

This is made possible by providing clinical, emotional, social and spiritual care and support for patients, their families, children and carers. All care is free of charge and annual running will reach £4.9 million this year, of which £3 million must come from fundraising and voluntary donations.

The hospice Brick by Brick Appeal, supported by the Evening Times, was set up to build a new facility in Glasgow. In addition to enhancing existing services for adults, it will also encompass a specialist palliative care service for young people aged 15 and above for the first time.

Over the course of the year various challenges and events raise much-needed funds for the appeal.

If you want to get fit and help charity at the same time, think about signing up for one.

You don't need to be a marathon runner to take part in Clyde Stride, sponsored by Northern Forklift, on May 9. The 5k and 10k walks along Glasgow's Clydeside, crossing well-known bridges en route to the hospice at Carlton Place is a fun event for all the family.

The Five Ferries Cycle Challenge, sponsored by Cardowan Creameries, on June 6 consists of five ferry trips interspersed with four cycling legs.

The route takes in breathtaking Argyll scenery from islands, sea and mountains mainly on quiet and single track roads and totals 51 miles, the longest stage about two-hours.

On June 13 the Three Lochs Way walk follows one of Scotland's greatest trails, as gentle landscape is gradually replaced by the scenic drama of mountain, crag and loch you cross the Highland Boundary Fault and heads towards the mountains of the Southern Highlands. The challenge is walking the 34-mile route in one day.

And the Brick by Brick Banger Rally from September 25-27 is not for the faint-hearted. The hospice is looking for teams of up to four people to join in the three-day tour of mainland Scotland designed to challenge the ingenuity, imagination, organisation and sheer bravery of participants.

Covering over 500 miles in your Banger valued at no more than £250 you will take on daily challenges to earn points for your team. Could see you be capped as our Brick by Brick Banger Champion?

For details or to register a place on any of the challenges, contact Joyce Ross on 0141 429 5599 or email joyce.ross@ppwh.org.uk.