TELEVISION personality and author John Grundy is to speak at a celebration of a local history group.

Stokesley Society will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on Monday, November 19 in a special event at the town’s Methodist church hall.

Star guest will be John Grundy, who chose Stokesley as his favourite market town in Tyne Tees television series Grundy’s Wonders.

Chairman of the society Hugh Charman, said he was delighted the television personality had agreed to be guest speaker.

The group of amateur local historians will also be launching three new leaflets containing information and pictures from different aspects of the town’s history on the night.

Mr Charman said: “The society’s aims are to preserve and improve the appearance of the town and to stimulate public interest in its beauty, history and character, and much has been achieved over the years.

“Conserving the rich history of the area and documenting the past really has become quite a community effort, and we’re currently running a three year heritage project thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.”

The meeting begins at 7.30pm and is open to everyone. Tickets are £5 and are available from Frank Robinson on 01642-711356 or Christ Taylor on 01642-710680.