Ricky Gervais appeared at the trust's concert in 2004

The Office star will head a comedy night at a week of shows at London's Royal Albert Hall, along with a line-up of rock acts.

The Cure will play their first gig with a new line-up and their only confirmed appearance of the year so far.

It will be the sixth year that concerts have been held to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) charity.

'Making a difference'

Rock bands Bloc Party and Razorlight will also be headlining two of the nights, while a tribute to late DJ Tommy Vance will feature Judas Priest and the Scorpions.

The concerts, which are co-produced by The Who's Roger Daltrey, are due to begin on 27 March, and will culminate with The Cure's headline spot on 1 April.

Tickets are going on sale from 14 February.

Gervais, star and co-writer of BBC comedy series Extras, last appeared at the TCT benefit in 2004.

Other past performers at the concerts include Oasis, Coldplay, Madness and Franz Ferdinand.

Steve Coogan, the stars of Little Britain and Peter Kay have performed at the benefit's comedy night in previous years.

Roger Daltrey said: "There is no doubt in my mind that these shows really are making a difference to the lives of thousands of teenagers with cancer.