ACCLAIMED actor Ian Carmichael will be the guest at a preview evening for a charity Christmas fair.

Castle Howard, near Malton, has hosted a fair in aid of the NSPCC for the past four years, raising £100,000 for the charity.

This year it takes place on Thursday, November 4, with a preview evening the night before.

Mr Carmichael, known for his roles in I'm All Right Jack, The World of Wooster and Lord Peter Wimsey, will attend the preview with his wife, novelist Kate Fenton.

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 will feature about 50 stalls, including home and decorative goods, kitchen accessories, children's clothes and jewellery.

The proceeds will help NSPCC projects in North Yorkshire, such as the York Therapeutic team, the Domestic Violence Intervention Service, the Almond Tree, at Catterick Camp, and family centres in Scarborough and York.

Tickets for the preview, from 4pm to 9pm, are £10 and must be booked on (01653) 658331.

Entry to the fair, from 9.30am to 3.30pm is £5, payable on the day.