FORMER school inspector turned author Gervase Phinn led the assembly at King George’s Hall last night and delighted an audience with his tales from the classroom.

If you’d taken the register, the chances are that the vast majority of those in the hall were either current or past members of the teaching profession.

Certainly the knowing chuckles and nods coming from the audience meant Gervase was in the main preaching to the converted.

Phinn is not a comedian as such, he’s an old fashioned storyteller - and he’s very good at it. His humour is gentle, almost of another era.

His show was based around school nativity plays he’s witnessed over the years and there was no shortage of great material.

It was also surprisingly moving in parts. Phinn has an inherent belief in the innocence of children and their natural goodness.

Through stories and readings from some of his numerous books and poems he created a warm feeling around the room with ‘aahs’ interspersed with much laughter.

Christmas may be several weeks away but for one night, the festive spirit came early thanks to Gervase.

Click on the link below for more information on the Blackburn with Darwen Comedy Festival.