CELEBRATED international concert pianist, Stephen Hough, is returning home this weekend for a special charity recital.

Stephen, who used to live in Grappenhall, will give the concert at Lymm United Reformed Church, a far cry from the huge events he is more use to, such as the Hollywood Bowl and the Proms, where he has just performed for the 13th time.

The concert, which takes place on Sunday, is being held in aid of the Depaul Trust, a worldwide charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters fulfil their potential.

One of the organisers of the event, Paul Cooper, says interest in the concert has been unprecedented: "For most of our concerts people pay on the door, but this was sold out six weeks ago, the hall is going to be packed with 200 people but we could have got so many more in.

"It is a rare treat for us to have an international celebrity of such eminence playing for us, we are all really looking forward to it."

His visit to Lymm is being sponsored by Shell International who met Stephen's expenses for the concert.

Although this particular event is now sold out, the series of recitals continues with Gordon Fergus-Thompson appearing on Sunday, November 18 and Steven Osborn in February next year.

If you are interested in tickets priced £6 and £5 for concessions, for this event, or wish to be placed on the mailing list, contact Stephanie (Florist), 19 The Cross, Lymm, 753968.