Pop superstar Leona Lewis will be performing a special Christmas concert in Brentwood to raise funds for an animal sanctuary – and hopes to bring along some celebrity friends too.

The singer was in town on Sunday where she was taking part in a five mile sponsored walk to raise money for the Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Lane.

The walk – which had around 80 participants – raised a staggering �13,000 towards repairing dilapidated facilities at the site.

Speaking to the Recorder afterwards, the former X Factor winner – who recently got soul singer Lemar involved in the fundraising effort - said she is hoping to bring a star-studded concert to town.

“We’re going to have a Christmas carol service, I’m going to sing carols and I’ll hopefully get some friends along too.

“The other people aren’t confirmed so I can’t say who yet, but I will let you know.”

The singer is currently juggling her role as the patron of the Brentwood sanctuary with preparations for her new album, which will be out early next year.

She said: “I get fulfilment out of my music and my work here. It’s something I love to do so I make time for both.”

Leona became a patron, and then trustee, of the sanctuary after getting involved thanks to her manager who volunteered there.

After the walk she also took time to pay tribute to the sanctuary’s founder Ernie Clark who died last month.

“I did have the pleasure of meeting Ernie. He was so sweet and his and Paula’s passion was so inspiring. I want to continue their legacy and the amazing and selfless work they’ve done here.”