JULY brings with it some terrific entertainment with something to suit the whole family.

THERE is a great night in store when the 'King of Comedy' himself, Ken Dodd returns to the Theatre Royal with his very own show on Friday, June 30 at 7.30pm.

THIS is followed by the chance to enjoy a 'Blast From The Past' with a show by Thatto Heath Dance Association, also starting at 7.30pm, on Friday, July 6.

AND the beat goes on when The Honkytonk 2000 Tour comes to the theatre on Thursday, July 13 from 7.30pm. This features traditional and modern country music from two of the finest newcomers from Britain and America, plus a star-studded fiv- piece band. Florida-born Karen Flynn is a modern honky tonk girl who writes and sings songs about real relationships with grit and emotion; while 17-year-old Niki Dean, from Leeds, has been singing since childhood and has featured in many musicals.

IT'S blues all the way when The Producers and Helen Watson appear at The Citadel, Waterloo Street on Friday, June 30 from 8pm.

THIS is followed on Saturday, July 1 by The Clone Roses presenting a tribute to The Stone Roses, again starting at 8pm.

COMEDY takes centre stage on Thursday, July 6 when St Helens' very own Johnny Vegas returns with Cit:Com Stand-up and some special mystery guests. Curtain up at 8pm.

AND there is another treat for music lovers when Dave Swarbrick and Kevin Dempsey appear there on Saturday, July 8 from 8.30pm.

HERE is advance notice of an event coming our way in August. The Friends of the Theatre Royal (St Helens) are organising a garden party on Saturday, August 19 at Windle Hall. Ken Dodd will open the event and there will be stalls, entertainment, refreshments and a raffle. Tickets, £1 for adults and 50p for children, are available by telephone on 01744 735456 or 0151 426 6180.

ST THOMAS of Canterbury, Windleshaw PTFA are presenting their annual gala on Saturday, July 1 starting at 2pm. This is at The Hamblett School Playing Field, Rainford Road. A brass band will lead the children's procession from Hammill Street at 1pm and there will be a host of attractions. Admission is by programme, price 50p, or pay at the gate.

NEWTON-le-Willows Family and Community Centre, Park Road South has launched Footsteps, a new service for family members who have a drug-user in the family. This offers information, support and counselling in confidence on Mondays from 9am to 1pm and Fridays from 6.30 to 8.30pm. Further details available from 01925 224731.

THE St Helens Hilton is hosting a Saturday Night Cabaret on Saturday, July 8 featuring The Backbeat Beatles. The evening includes a four-course dinner, cabaret and disco until 2am, all for £25. Further details are available from 01744 453444.

SUTTON Oak Primary School, Goodban Street, is staging a summer fair on Friday, June 30 from 3.30pm. There are stalls and a host of other attractions.