IT WAS supposed to have been a star-studded affair with Welsh rugby international Gavin Henson and girlfriend Charlotte Church topping the bill.

But organisers of a charity event held at Buckmore Park Karting Circuit, Chatham, were left red-faced after the big names failed to show and just nine people turned out in support.

Metropolitan Police sergeant Phillip Golding spent about 16 months organising the event, on behalf of the Faversham-based Canterbury Horse Rescue, sending out a press release listing celebrities signed up for a karting race and fund-raising auction.

They included TV chef Brian Turner, former EastEnders actor Sid Owen and hairdresser to the stars Nicky Clarke.

Mr Golding said: "It was a disaster, I’ve put a lot of hard work into organising it and it should have been brilliant.

"I will be reimbursing the charity the money it paid, some of which is coming out of my own pocket."

* See the Medway Messenger (Friday, June 1) for the full story.