ACTOR Ian Carmichael will be the guest at a popular Christmas fair next month.

The fair, at Castle Howard, near Malton, North Yorkshire, on November 4, will raise money for the NSPCC.

Mr Carmichael, who starred in Lucky Jim and School for Scoundrels, and his novelist wife, Kate Fenton, will attend a preview the night before.

He said: "My wife and I are delighted to be attending the NSPCC fair. What better place to search out some unusual and exciting Christmas presents than in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Howard?"

The fair has been held for four years and has raised about £100,000 for the NSPCC in total.

This year there will be more than 50 stalls.

There will also be a raffle, with a two-night trip to London as the main prize.