A group of young superstars brushed shoulders with another notable personality as X-Factor winner Matt Cardle welcomed some special guests to his performance in Felixstowe last night.

The internationally-celebrated singer appeared at the Spa Pavilion in front of a packed crowd to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

Among the audience members who got the chance to meet the star was Mason Fountain, who is battling a brain tumour he was diagnosed with in April 2010. Despite his illness, Mason plans to launch his own charity, Mason’s Magic, on social networking site Twitter.

After meeting children from the hospice before the show, Cardle said: “I really enjoy performing in support of charities and this was something I thought was important to get involved with. I feel lucky and honoured to be invited.

“Performing and writing are the best parts of what I do. It’s a real bonus to hear people singing along to my songs.

“This is the first time I’ve performed here but I can tell it has a great history and, judging by the audience, is a popular venue.”

The 28-year-old, who is originally from Halstead, Essex, and is currently preparing for a 58-leg UK tour, performed his new single on the night, as well as his hit songs. He added: “The last two years have been amazing and I want to crack on with writing and more shows.

“I drove about five minutes away from my house in Halstead on my way here so it’s lovely to come back to the area.”

Cardle, who won the ITV talent hunt in 2010, performed at the Spa alongside the likes of 60s cover band Bits ‘n’ Pieces, teenage rock band Baseline, and the Harry Isaac Presley Operation.

Organised by Felixstowe Radio, Friday’s event also included a performance by local artist Lucy Sampson, with bass player Ian Bearcroft, who struck up a partnership among the Suffolk Songwriters collective of musicians. Ms Sampson said: “It’s really nice to be involved with something like this. Martin Sawyer, the organiser, heard a session I did on Felixstowe Radio and asked if I would like to come along.”