A LIFE-LONG trade unionist and a cult comedian will be speaking at a business event next month.

Lord Sawyer of Darlington, the new Chancellor of the University of Teesside, will give the keynote speech at the North East Chamber of Commerce's (NECC) Tees Valley and Durham Dinner.

The peer will be followed by Dave Spikey, one of the stars of hit TV comedy show Phoenix Nights.

Maggie Pavlou, NECC president, said: "This is a rare opportunity for people to hear first hand from a person who was influential in shaping both the trade union movement and the Labour Party throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

"Businesses are keen to hear how he believes the university's role can evolve and grow to benefit the entire North-East."

Lord Sawyer, a member of the Labour Party for the past 35 years, succeeded Lord Brittan of Spennithorne as the university's figurehead in April this year.

He initially worked in the engineering industry before rising through the trade union ranks to become deputy general secretary of Nipe/Unison from 1981 to 1994.

His role within the Labour Party was equally prominent as he served a tenure as chairman from 1991 to 1992 and as general secretary from 1994 to 1998 before accepting his life peerage.

By contrast, Dave Spikey has enjoyed a burgeoning career as an acclaimed comedian.

The Lancastrian can point to a chance meeting with fellow funny-man Peter Kay at the Comedy Awards as a turning point in his career.

The pair co-wrote and starred in the Channel Four series Phoenix Nights set in a Bolton social club.

Spikey also wrote the ITV comedy-drama, Dead Man Weds.

The Tees Valley and Durham Dinner will be held at the Tall Trees Hotel in Yarm on Thursday, September 15.