A FAMILY-friendly variety show is to be staged to benefit the armed forces.

The Salute to Our Local Heroes show will be staged at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, on Friday, November 4.

There will be singing, dancing, magic and illusion, circus acts, comedy and more, before a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ style finale.

All of the performers have donated their time and talent for free.

Representatives of the armed services and veterans’ associations are due to attend.

Former Royal Air Force officer Iain Jay, the event organiser, said: "I wanted to do something where I could show my support for those who have risked and are risking their lives on our behalf.

"Forget the politics - these are real people with real families and children who live alongside us in our community.

"I decided that I would organise this show so that local people could come together for a fun and high spirited night to celebrate our local heroes and the lives we get to enjoy as a result but more than that I wanted to raise some funds that will be used locally to really help these men and women and their families when they need it most."

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm and will last about two-and-a-half hours, cost £8 each. Proceeds will go to the Teesside, Darlington and County Durham branches of the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA), the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and the Royal British Legion.

To book, visit galadurham.co.uk or call 0191-3324041.