People stopped to meet Sir Tom and Katherine, aka loveable loudmouth Becky Grainger from the hit ITV soap, at The Mall St George's, Preston.

A Big Knight Out is being held in honour of Sir Tom and will raise vital funds for his Alzheimer's charity, Sir Tom Finney Alzheimer's Appeal. His wife Elsie died from the illness.

Sir Tom said: "I was delighted to see so many people in The Mall, supporting this launch.

"Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards supporting two important charities, one of which that is very dear to me."

Partially-sighted Marjorie Gornall, 72, from Penwortham, is a lifelong fan of Sir Tom and was first in the queue to buy a ticket.

She said: "People should buy the tickets and help Sir Tom's Alzheimer's appeal. It's going to be a right good do."

Katherine, who will be singing in the show with a 40-piece orchestra, said: "I sang with the swing band for years so I'm going to have to trawl through my old numbers and see what I can find."

Comic Frank Carson, Lancashire-born dancing stars The Cheeky Monkeys from Britain's Got Talent, Preston-born soul singer Stephen Bayliss and Rob McVeigh of BBC's Any Dream Will Do are among some of the acts who will appear.

The show, at The Guild Hall on November 23, will also raise money for the Mall's chosen charity Baby Beat. Call the box office on 01772 258858.

>> Vote in our latest web poll