TELEVISION and radio presenter Stuart Maconie will be making a special appearance at Burnley Mechanics on Tuesday.

The Wigan-born author penned one of the most entertaining books written about the North of England, Pies and Prejudice — In search of the North, an account of the quirky, often funny, occasionally sad history of our region over the past few centuries.

Maconie got his big break when he submitted a review to then New Musical Express editor James Brown.

“He rang me and said: ‘I like your review — do you want to come and work at the NME?

“I was working in a planning office in Bolton which was full of Queen fans and it was depressing beyond belief.”

He added: “I’m looking at moving back up North permanently. I’ve looked at North Lancashire and the Ribble Valley. I always enjoy visiting Lancashire.”

  • Stuart Maconie, Burnley Mechanics, Tuesday, November 20. Details from 01282 664400.