HE played the dopey vicar in one of the most successful TV comedies ever and was promoted to bishop in another - and in real life veteran actor Frank Williams is a committed Christian and member of the General Synod of the Church of England.

That is why he is now helping out an old friend by performing in the County Durham village of Tudhoe tonight, minus his trademark dog collar but in an ecclesiastical setting nevertheless.

The audience at An Evening With Frank Williams, in St David's Church, will be treated to tales from the much-loved series Dad's Army, in which he played the Reverend Timothy Farthing, and another Jimmy Perry classic, You Rang M'Lord.

In his seventies, Mr Williams is still active on stage, starring in Christmas pantomimes and working as a playwright.

Mr Williams is appearing at St David's as a favour to the Reverend Martin Wray, who he met through the synod.

Mr Wray said: "He has worked alongside some of the big names, like Sean Connery, so there should be some interesting stories."

The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5, including a buffet, from Alan Taylor on (01388) 811755