ROYLE Family star and former Brookside actor Ricky Tomlinson will be in the region tomorrow, to encourage people to return to education.

Known best as couch potato Jim Royle, Mr Tomlinson will be launching Darlington Learning Town's Passport to Learning scheme.

He will open the event, in Darlington Market Place, at 10am, then take part in Ready, Steady Cook-style challenges, at 12.30pm and 2.30pm, as well as performing in a play, at 1.30pm.

A regular campaigner on social issues, Mr Tomlinson had to wait until his 40s before he tasted success, and was happy to back an adult education scheme.

He said: "As somebody who found success later in life, I know better than most people that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can do anything if you want to do it enough.

"The Passport to Learning is a fantastic idea, and the event promises to be a lot of fun.

"I hope everybody will be able to come down and meet me and have a laugh."

"Passports" will be handed out at the event and will be stamped when visitors take part in any of the learning experiences that are on offer.

Learning providers on hand will include Darlington College, Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and Early Years.