JANE RUSSELL, one of the most glamorous actresses in Hollywood history, was arriving in Liverpool today for two glittering showbusiness occasions.

Tonight, the living legend, now 88, will be singing at an invitation-only, fundraising and awareness-raising event at Liverpool Cathedral.

The evening will include a dinner and unplugged concert – produced by David Gest – which will also feature Peabo Bryson, Neil Campbell, Brenda Holloway, Jean Knight, Connie Lush, Gloria Lynne, Dorothy Moore, Freda Payne, Victoria Sharpe, Kim Weston and Deniece Williams.

Tomorrow, Russell will be honoured, alongside Ben E. King, Percy Sledge and The Temptations’ Dennis Edwards, at the Liverpool Achievement In Arts Awards, being held at the Adelphi Hotel.

Gest will host this event, which will raise money for the Liverpool Unites children’s charity and the Variety Club.

Performers will include Russell Thompkins Junior and The New Stylistics, Deniece Williams, Shayne Ward, Candi Staton, Joe Longthorne, Freda Payne, William Bell, Peabo Bryson, Dorothy Moore, Jimmy Ruffin, Billy Paul and Kim Weston.

“Never in our wildest dreams would we have envisaged this happening,” said Sue Murphy, fundraising manager for the Liverpool Cathedral Centenary Fund.

“It is absolutely brilliant to be able to welcome Jane Russell and all the A-list stars. We want people to know more about how much it costs to keep the cathedral open. We do not charge an entrance fee, unlike a lot of cathedrals.