A BUSKER who has spent nearly two decades working the streets is to perform in a Grade I building usually reserved for fine classical music.

Norman Evans, who was awarded the MBE for raising more than £250,000 for charity by busking on the streets of Redcar, will perform in the 325-year-old Sir William Turner's Hospital.

The grandfather, who is wheelchair-bound and suffers from MS, will take part in a fundraising concert after raising hundreds of pounds for the almshouses' upkeep.

Yesterday Mr Evans, of Marske, took the chance to have a look around the historic Kirkleatham building and examine its treasures, including a very fragile death mask of Sir William him- self.

He heard how Sir William Turner was Lord Mayor of London during the time when Christopher Wren was rebuilding much of London after the Great Fire.

The same craftsmen who made wrought ironwork for St Paul's Cathedral supplied work to the almshouses' chapel.

The obsession with fire safety in the year's following the Great Fire of London led to a house rule still enforced at the almshouses - that residents are forbidden from looking under their beds with a candle.

"I've always loved this building and I'm just glad to help out," said Mr Evans, who began collecting for MS support groups on Redcar High Street 18 years ago, and plays a variety of instruments including the banjo and accordion.

"I get loads of support from the people of Redcar. When it rains, shopkeepers allow me inside and other people sometimes get me a cup of tea. It's lovely."

The music and poetry concert will take place in the chapel at the almshouses on Friday, October 18.

Tickets are £5 (£3.50 concessions) from Norman Evans on the High Street or Sotheran's Stationary Shop, Queen Street, (01642) 490401.