Actress Michelle Collins will be among an array of celebrities who will attend the launch party of the 44th Argus Appeal.

Former EastEnders star Michelle and her daughter Maia, five, will be at the event on September 8.

She will be joined by about 350 guests at the Hilton Metropole Hotel on Brighton seafront, including horror writer James Herbert, ice skater Robin Cousins and actor Chris Ellison.

London-based Michelle, a familiar sight in the Lanes shopping district of Brighton, has turned out in support of several events in aid of The Argus Appeal in the past.

Co-ordinator Elsa Gillio said: "Michelle has been to a number of dos where she has been fabulous.

"It's lovely to see someone of her status working so hard for such a great cause."

The Argus Appeal donates every penny it raises to help the most needy in Sussex afford what they would otherwise have to go without.

Co-owner of Donatello Restaurant Sue Addis, a friend of Michelle's for about ten years, said: "We are thrilled Michelle is joining us to help The Argus Appeal, which she thinks is a terribly worthwhile cause."

The launch party, to be hosted by actor Christopher Biggins, will aim to top the £29,000 it raised last year through auctions, raffles and collections.

Among the fabulous prizes is a snooker cue signed by eight of the world's top players, including Ronnie O' Sullivan, Stephen Hendry and Jimmy White.

Brighton Page 3 girl Jamellah is offering the highest bidder the chance to wine and dine her for a champagne evening at Donatello Restaurant in the Lanes, Brighton.

Skate lessons with Olympic ace Robin Cousins, plus a pair of signed skates, are also among the dozens of auction prizes expected to raise thousands of pounds.

Mrs Gillio said: "There are going to be a few surprise prizes thrown in as well as several fantastic bands and performers."