THE congregation of Christ Church Cathedral will be joined by a famous sleuth as they embark on a charity singing session.

Actor Kevin Whately, best known for his role as Robbie Lewis in Inspector Morse and its sequel, Lewis, on ITV, will join parishioners to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

The charity will host Carols at Christmas at the cathedral in Oxford on Sunday, December 10.

Mr Whately will support the event alongside Alzheimer's Society ambassador Lorraine Brown, who was diagnosed with early on-set Alzheimer's disease in 2014.

Mr Whately said: "I am really looking forward to Oxford Carols at Christmas and I would love to see people join in and unite against dementia this festive season."

The charity is urging people to join the event, which will be packed full of traditional festive songs, readings and 'delicious winter treats'.

Ms Brown will be among those speaking at the event to share her story of her own fight against dementia.

She said: "Christmas is a time to be with family, loved ones and friends.

"The message of 'peace on earth, goodwill to men' is a strong statement to make, no matter what religion, spiritual beliefs or faith people have.

"Peace on earth also relates to not forgetting a person with dementia.

"A kind remark, a warm smile and a hug is all that is required in providing the person with a 'good feeling' that stays with them long after the occasion.

"Memories are lost and fade, feelings remain."

"I want to say that a diagnosis of dementia is not the end.

"It can be a positive beginning to a new life."

The event will also feature a musical performance from vOx Choir and Oxford Cherwell Brass, plus lots of songs to sing along to.

Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser, Lucie Fowler, said: "We’re in for a real treat this year in the beautiful and historical setting of Oxford.

"We are hoping people will bring along the whole family for what promises to be a truly uplifting evening.

"By coming together to unite against dementia, participants will be helping to increase awareness of a condition that is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer and could affect us all.

"There are 850,000 people with the condition in the UK, including 8,468 in Oxfordshire.

"The national figure is set to rise to more than one million by 2021."

Tickets for the event are £12 for children under 12 and £15 for adults.

For more details see alzheimers.org.uk/carolsatchristmas