A VARIETY show paying tribute to a popular performer is being held in north Durham next month.

Remembering Hughie Malone MBE is being staged at the Empire Theatre in Consett on Thursday June 18.

It is honour of the 80-year-old veteran entertainer, from Consett, who died last year.

Hundreds packed into St Patrick’s Church in the former steel town to pay their respects following the sad news in November .

The show next month includes performances from the Pauline Cook and Jane Robson dance schools, CBS Stage and Music Society, Consett Citizens Choir, Gerry O'Dell and Nicholas Bowater accompanied on piano by Chris Fox.

Compering the evening will be the chairman of the Friends of the Empire Theatre Pat Boustead.

David Paull, manager of the Empire Theatre, said: “We are very lucky to have had such a talented performer in our area.

“Along with many others I have grown up with such wonderful memories of Hughie on stage and entertaining us all.

Mr Malone performed at charity gigs in and around Derwentside since he was 14 and was well known as the pantomime dame at Christmas shows since the early 1980s.

Mr Paull said: “It's important to us all to celebrate the life of such a truly talented, caring gentleman.

“We look forward to welcoming the Malone family and Hughie's friends for this celebration.

“My thanks to The Friends of the Empire Theatre for organising this event.”

The show starts at 7pm. Tickets, costing £8 full and £5 for children, can be booked by calling 01207-218171.