The Mayflower will host an all-star tribute evening in aid of the James Shears and Alan Bannon Memorial Fund next month.

The show, scheduled for June 16, is the brainchild of Jim Davidson. The comic will present the evening, which will also star Bobby Davro, Jethro, Kev Orkian and Mike Osman, with more guests to be announced.

Jim was so moved by the news that the two firemen from St Mary’s Red Watch lost their lives in the line of duty that he contacted the theatre to see what could be done.

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Jim said: “As a community we rely on these brave men and women. Although we all know the dangers that they face every day, it is a shocking and salutary reminder when something like this happens. I spoke to Mike Osman and we asked some of our friends to join us and give their time for those people who give all their time for us.

“This concert is not just to pay tribute and to raise funds for the families of James Shears and Alan Bannon, it’s also to honour the fire service as a whole. We want to show them that their community is behind them and to convey our deep gratitude.”

Mayflower chief executive Dennis Hall added: “I was very happy to offer The Mayflower theatre for this most worthy cause.”

Several fundraising events were held over the weekend to support the families of the firefighters, who died tackling a blaze at Shirley Towers, Southampton, on April 6.