A TRIBUTE to composer Ivor Novello is bringing a popular churchman back to Spennymoor later this month.

Former St Paul's curate Canon Michael Hampel is joining in a homage to the composer in the church hall on Wednesday, April 20.

Mr Hampel, now precentor at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, in Suffolk, will help tell the story of Novello's life from his birth in 1893 to his death in 1951.

Pianist Joe Prest will accompany the choir in some of the composer's songs.

A Tribute to Ivor Novello opens at 7pm. Tickets are £2 50 from (01388) 814514.