TICKETS are still available for an 'in conversation' event featuring North-East actor, writer and novelist Mark Gatiss.

The Doctor Who, Sherlock and League of Gentleman star, who is originally from School Aycliffe, County Durham, will be chatting to an audience at Carmel College, in Darlington, on December 5.

Northern Echo editor Peter Barron will act as compere for the evening, which is being organised by Darlington mayor Gerald Lee.

A former pupil of Heighington Church of England Primary School and Woodham Comprehensive in Newton Aycliffe, Gatiss shot to fame with cult series The League of Gentlemen which first aired in 1999 and for which he won a British Academy Television Award, a Royal Television Society Award and the prestigious Golden Rose of Montreux.

Professor Gerda Roper, dean of Teesside University’s school of arts and media, said: “This region has created an enormous amount of talent and it is always lovely to be able to welcome back someone who is a success and has had a major impact on popular culture.

"This will be a very special opportunity to hear Mark talk about his life and career.”

Proceeds from the event will go to Butterwick Hospice Children’s Unit and Phoenix House Recovery Unit, in Catterick Garrison.

Follow @TeessideUni on Twitter and find out about opportunities to win tickets and submit questions using the #askgatiss.

Tickets, priced £12.50, are available by visiting darlingtoncivic.co.uk or calling 01325-486555.