HE is one of British TV's best-loved actors but on Saturday he will be part of a cast of thousands in a starring role at the 123rd Durham Miners' Gala.

Ricky Tomlinson, best known for his role as Jim Royle, in The Royle Family, will be marching through the centre of Durham City to the sound of a brass band.

The actor, who made his name in the Liverpool soap opera Brookside, has accepted an invitation to accompany the banners of Houghton and Lambton collieries.

Mr Tomlinson, 67, who was a trade union activist when he worked in the building industry before becoming an actor, presented a TV programme last year called When Coal Was King, which paid tribute to miners and mining communities.

Terminally ill ex-miner George Rowe, who launched the fund-raising campaign to get the two banners restored, invited the actor to attend and is delighted that he has accepted.

Mr Rowe, 77, of Houghton-le-Spring, who has lung cancer and emphysema, said: "I have always wanted Ricky Tomlinson to come to the Gala and now I have got him.

"I thought it was impossible that I would reach this gala, but it is willpower that is getting me through - and fighting spirit. Who knows, I might not see another one.''

The banner committee that Mr Rowe chairs raised £20,000 for the restoration of the two banners, which were unveiled in 2003 by Gala favourite and ex-Labour MP Tony Benn and former union leader Rodney Bickerstaffe, now president of the National Pensioners' Convention.

Mr Rowe said he got to know Mr Tomlinson seven years ago when he was an extra in a film shot on Tyneside.

He said the extras were not paid for their efforts and when he wrote to the actor, who had a role in the production, he paid them out of his own pocket.

"He is a hell of a trade unionist. He is thrilled to be taking part and he is as thrilled as I am.''

Mr Rowe will make the journey to the city's Racecourse on a disabled scooter. The marchers will be accompanied by Felling Brass Band, which will play the William Tell Overture, to the VIPs on the balcony of the County Hotel.