A VOLUNTEER radio presenter will get to share the spotlight with rock legends Uriah Heep next week.

Dave 'Chippy' Chipchase has been asked to introduce the veteran rockers when they take to the stage at Stockton ARC on Thursday, February 28.

The unusual request came about after he interviewed founder member and guitarist Mick Box for his Metal Gods Rock Show, which is broadcast weekly on Barnard Castle-based Radio Teesdale on Monday nights.

Mr Chipchase, 50, from Bishop Auckland, said: “I spoke to Mick Box and that went out on February 11.

“The next day, I got an email asking if I would introduce the band at Stockton. There was no way I was going to say no – I was blown away.”

The band, formed more than 40 years ago, are currently touring in support of their 23rd studio album, Into the Wild, and Mr Chipchase reckons next Thursday's gig will be a treat for rock fans.

“I spoke to the band's drummer and singer at a festival in Wales a couple of years ago and had been an admirer of the the band for quite a while before that, however, the new material is really good,” he said.

“I am looking forward to the 28th. I will meet up with the band and their manager and work out what the format is going to be.”