A THEATRE in north Durham is being named after one of the area’s most well known film and television actors.

As a young man, Alun Armstrong appeared on stage at Stanley Civic Hall near his home in Annfield Plain.

Now the 68-year-old veteran performer is to be honoured by having the theatre named after him.

Claire Howe, the civic hall manager said: “One of the Stanley Town Councillors mentioned to me that Alun Armstrong was originally from the area so I wrote to him and thought it would be a good idea to ask if he would lend his name to our theatre.

“Weeks went by and I heard nothing. I thought either he was not interested or the letter had no chance of ever reaching him.

“However a few weeks later he wrote me a letter back and said he was very happy to do so and if he could come to an open night if his work schedule allowed him to.

“Also he told me that as a young man he had performed here and had a soft spot for the theatre and for his native North-East. He also said he has lots of very close friends in the region still.”

Mr Armstrong will be attending the official opening and speaking on the evening of Friday, September 5, which will be followed by a variety programme of entertainment.

Tickets for the event are now on sale and cost £7. To book call 01207-299110.