Top Scots actor Gerard Butler is urging women in Dumbarton and the Vale to take part in the ultimate "girls’ night in" to help raise vital funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) which runs Robin House in Balloch.

The Big Girly Quiz, to be streamed live on Facebook on Friday June 5, has been organised in place of four CHAS ladies lunches and the charity’s annual Rocking Horse Ball, which have all had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gerard will join a host of other famous faces participating in the event which will be jointly hosted by Britain’s Got Talent star Edward Reid and Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay.

Originally from Paisley, Gerard, is known across the world for his starring roles in box office blockbusters such as 300, Law Abiding Citizen and the Fallen Franchise.

He is also popular for his rom-com roles in hit films like P.S. I Love You and The Bounty Hunter.

The 50-year-old actor, who now resides in California, has committed to asking a question at the Big Girly Quiz, which he describes in a special video recording as a ‘fabulous fundraising event’.

Gerard said: "CHAS is a beautiful organisation that provides palliative care, family respite and support throughout Scotland and right now those families are needing your help more than ever.

"We will challenge you on all your knowledge of movies, music, fashion and so much more, so get a group of your friends together, virtually of course, and join me and other surprise guests on the night. Together we can really get through this.”

Like many other charities in the current pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it operates.

While both Robin House and Rachel House in Kinross are continuing to provide end of life care, the charity has also set up the UK’s first ever virtual children’s hospice to support families who are having to completely self-isolate.

Now in its second month, the virtual hospice offers extensive support to families by phone and video on clinical guidance, financial advice and bereavement support. CHAS family support teams also offer a range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and friendship calls to children and parents.

CHAS high profile events manager, Diane Alton, paid tribute to Gerard and everyone involved.

She said: “The Big Girly Quiz really is shaping up to be the perfect girls’ night in so please invite all your friends and family to take part to help us raise as much money as possible for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children.”

Gerard’s video announcing his support for the Big Girly Quiz can be viewed at https://youtu.be/EdWtMt30ZzI