SOME of Britain’s biggest stars turned out for a gala concert in aid of a Hampshire charity which supports destitute asylum seekers.

A host of 30 stars including Stephen Fry, Miriam Margolyes and Sandi Toksvig took to the stage at a packed Winchester Theatre Royal last night to perform “A Few Of Our Favourite Things.”

Those who donated their time and talents included award-winning West End actor Mark Rylance and Alex Norton, best known as the irascible DCI Burke in ITV’s Taggart.

Veteran of stage and screen Miriam Margolyes, who played three roles in Blackadder and is due to start filming the last of the Harry Potter films as Professor Sprout, enlisted the top-class performers.

She said: “They are all friends of mine. I just told them the date and the cause and asked them to perform what they know and like best because if they enjoy it, so will the audience.”

The actress is a patron of Southampton and Winchester Visitors’ Group (SWVG) , a charity which helps destitute asylum seekers who are not allowed to work or claim benefits.

In the show programme, writer, actor and TV presenter Steven Fry said: “I suppose I have a natural affinity for asylum seekers since my own family as European Jews relied on the hospitality and kindness of others to survive.”

Before the show, Hazel Still, a member of SWVG, said: “There are some astonishing performers here and we are immensely grateful to everyone who has given us their support.”

In 2009, Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group (SWVG) helped 81 people fleeing persecution from countries, including Zimbabwe and Eritrea. Many had suffered torture, rape and imprisonment.

The small charity befriends refugees and provides practical support, such as shelter, clothes and food.