A RENOWNED stage, television and film actor returned to his North-East roots tonight (Friday, September 5) be given the honour of having a theatre named after him.

Alun Armstrong, perhaps best known for his role in the BBC’s New Tricks, was in Stanley, County Durham, to lend his name to a theatre in the town’s Civic Hall.

Mr Armstrong, who grew up on nearby Annfield Plain, said: “I am honoured.

“Not many actors have theatres named after themselves.

“It’s a funny mixture (of feelings), because you always learn around here you mustn't get too big for your boots.

“But, nevertheless, it is still delightful to be offered it. It’s made doubly special, because I have a lot of memories and connections with the place.

“It was here that I first appeared in front of the public after deciding at the age of 15 that I wanted to become an actor.

“A mate of mine and I brought our guitars and sang an Everly Brothers’ song at a social event.”

Mr Armstrong was asked by Claire Howe, the new manager of the Civic Hall to have the former Lamplight named after him.

The actor was joined tonight by his sister Elaine Stott and husband David - who had their wedding reception at the venue 49 years ago - as well as old childhood friends he has retained links with over the years.

They were treated to A Night to Remember variety show, with the bill including North-East comedian Bobby Pattinson and the Chantal McCartney Showgirls.

Mr Armstrong’s parents were both Methodist lay preachers, with his father also working as a winding engineer in the local pit.

He credits his English teacher at Consett Grammer School – Dennis Earl – for helping him on the path to stardom.

Mr Armstrong made his film debut in Get Carter in 1971. He has also appeared in A Bridge Too Far, Patriot Games with Harrison Ford, Braveheart with Mel Gibson and Sleepy Hollow with Johnny Depp.

On television he has appeared in Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, The Sweeney and Porridge. On stage, he spent nine years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, was a star in the original London production of Les Miserables and won an Olivier Award for his starring role in the musical Sweeney Todd.