Stars of stage and screen are being lined up for a charity gala in aid of Southend's Pier Museum.

Top comic Lee Evans -who is carving a niche as a Hollywood actor -- is just one of the names who could take part in the fundraising variety show.

The idea for the show follows Warren "Alf Garnett" Mitchell's guest appearance at an event in aid of the Pier Museum last year.

He urged the people of south Essex to "pull their fingers" out and help raise cash for an extension to the popular attraction.

Now actress Joan Hodge has written to Pier Museum Foundation chairman Peggy Dowie asking if she can organise a show "for our beloved pier".

Among the popular names she is to ask to appear are singing duo Chas 'n' Dave, actress Gemma Craven and Lee Evans.

All either live in Southend or have played in the town many times.

Peggy said: "Joan Hodge heard about Warren Mitchell's visit to the pier and wrote to me asking if she could arrange a show to raise money for the pier museum.

"She used to visit the town regularly when she was young to see her aunt, who coincidentally was the fortune-teller at the pier during the 1950s.

"She has many fond memories of Southend and wants to do something to help preserve the pier."

Peggy has spoken to the actress several times and it is hoped the show will be arranged for sometime this year, probably at the Cliffs Pavilion.

She added: "These are all very busy people so it will be hard to find a date when they are all available.

"It would be an absolutely wonderful evening of entertainment which would be dedicated to the pier."

Peggy asked Warren Mitchell to come to Southend after he called for action to breathe new life into the pier at the opening night of the Kursaal.

He spent an evening on the landmark, raising £1,000 towards an extension to the Pier Museum.

This year Southend council is to commission a detailed survey into the feasibility of the extension.

When that is complete a bid will be placed with the National Lottery's Heritage Fund.

In the meantime, the Pier Museum Foundation has so far raised £5,000 of the £40,000 needed for the preliminary work.

Lee Evans - ready to take to the stage in aid of the pier museum

(Right) Pier-lovers - Chas 'n' Dave

Jon Pertwee - ready to lend a hand on stage

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