AN actor and political activist will be speaking at a fundraising event in the region.

Ricky Tomlinson, best known for appearing in Brookside and as Jim Royle in The Royle Family, will appear at Durham Miners’ Hall on Saturday, March 2.

He will be in conversation with Kevin Maguire, associate editor of The Daily Mirror and will discuss his life, activism and career.

The event supports the Redhills Appeal to renew the historic building

Proceeds from the event will go to the Durham Miners Association (DMA) campaign to renew the historic hall as a centre for education, heritage and culture.

He said: “I’m looking forward to coming to the Miners’ Hall in the spring to help raise funds for the Redhills Appeal. I’m honoured to be taking part in this appeal and we’re going to make it a very successful appeal.”

Pre-Christmas early bird tickets are on sale for £10, then priced £12.50 in the New Year.