A NORTH-East man who runs a variety show in Scotland is coming home to raise money for a hospital which cared for his father in his dying hours.

Arnold Dowson, who works under the stage name Steve Bishop, was so grateful for the care his father, also Arnold Dowson, received, he decided to put on a special fundraising performance.

Mr Dowson, from Bishop Auckland, died from colon cancer in the Tindale Crescent Hospital in September, aged 71.

His wife, Joyce, said: "The staff were so good, I can't fault them at all. During his final 11 hours, they kept him free of pain - they were wonderful."

Her son learnt of the sad news during a performance in Ayr.

He now plans to bring his show, The Time of Your Life Millennium Show, which features costumes and music from throughout the 20th Century, to Tindale Crescent Club, Bishop Auckland, on Tuesday, January 30, starting at 7pm.

Tickets, priced £2 for a two-hour show and raffle, are selling fast. They are available from Joyce on (01388) 603810, or from the club.