FORMER Newcastle stars Keith Gillespie and Steve Harper will headline a unique night for the launch of Martin Hardy’s second book, Tunnel of Love, on Saturday, November 12.

The duo will talk to Hardy at the Exchange on Howard Street in North Shields about Newcastle United for the periods covered in Tunnel of Love and Touching Distance, Hardy’s first work.

That will step back in time to encompass Kevin Keegan’s Entertainers and their bid to win the Premier League title, right the way through to the eras of Kenny Dalglish, Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer’s brief spell in charge.

The revamped venue will also see top local band The Middens play music from the two books - songs from the Stone Roses, Oasis and Joy Division - with a cinema screen showing footage of the dramatic periods covered in the two books.

“I wanted to do something different for the launch of Tunnel of Love,” said Hardy. “The two periods are so dramatic and full of highs and lows that this seemed a completely new way of doing it.

“You have cup finals, fights, sackings and takeovers to remember. The cinema screen and the music to go with it will relive the emotions of those times and having Keith and Steve will add insiders’ perspective on what went right and wrong.

“It should be a night not to forget for Newcastle fans.”

Tickets cost £12.50 and are available from the Exchange North Shields, NE30 1SE, www.touchingdistance.com, Tynemouth Market (on Sundays) and from @mhardysport.

Author signed copies of Tunnel of Love, published by deCoubertin Books, priced £18.99, are available from touchingdistance.com