A TRIO of soap stars raised a cup of cheer as they visited St Ann's Hospice.

Recently-departed Coronation Street favourite Jane Danson and newcomer Charles Dale caught up on all the news from Weatherfield yesterday -- at the Little Hulton hospice.

They were joined by former Eastenders star Nadia Sawahla to toast the launch of this month's World's Biggest Coffee Morning event in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief.

Bury-born Jane, who played barmaid Leanne Battersby, admits she has enjoyed "chilling out" since leaving the soap last month.

But she had a serious message as she lent her support to an event which last year raised £2.2 million with simultaneous coffee mornings across the country.

Jane said: "MacMillan is a cause that's very close to my heart. My grandparents both suffered from cancer and I don't think there's anyone who hasn't been touched by it."

The three delighted hospice patients with an impromptu walkabout, signing autographs and chatting.

Hospice press officer Kathy Stuart said: "No one knew they were coming until this morning but it's really brightened up people's day and given them a lift."

Charles, who plays Les Battersby's rogue pal Dennis, also had an emotional explanation for his involvement.

He said: "My mother died of cancer and had a MacMillan nurse looking after her in her final months. As soon as I knew I was going to be on Coronation Street, I rang them and offered to help."

Nadia clashed with bad boy Steve Owen as tough-talking Annie Palmer in Eastenders. But yesterday she was charm itself as she heaped praise on the hospice.

"You might expect hospices to be full of gloom but there's a feeling of real hope here," she said. "I love the idea of people across the country raising money with something as simple as a coffee morning. I'll be filming in Majorca so I'll be joining everyone who's taking part on the Internet."

A coy Jane revealed that she will make an announcement about her latest role in the next few weeks.

But Charles, who previously starred in Jimmy McGovern drama The Lakes, was full of enthusiasm for his life on the street.

He said: "I'm loving it. I thought when I arrived it would take a bit of time to get used to but I've been made to feel welcome from the word go."