FORMER TV star James Gaddas made an appearance at a cheese and wine evening in the region to raise funds for the Conservative's General Election campaign.

The Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Stockton South spoke about his experiences as an actor in Coronation Street and Bad Girls and his aspirations to get involved in politics.

He was joined in Newton-under-Roseberry, near Middlesbrough, by fellow Conservative candidate Mark Brooks, who is standing for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Liberal Democrats candidate Mike Barker will fight alongside Gaddas against Labour MP Dari Taylor for the Stockton seat.