A COMEDIAN who quit the rat race to become a Buddhist monk parked up his caravan in Blackburn town centre and invited in strangers in for a brew.

Passers by were invited into the quirky van to share their experiences of kindness over coffee and cake.

The event was hosted by stand-up comedian Sam Brady,

The 48-year-old story teller shared his journey from high flying management consultant to Buddhist monk his attempts to become a better, kinder person whilst raising a child singlehandedly, brought him to where he is now.

Audience remembers were invited to discuss what kindness meant to them share their own experiences.

He said: “Nobody can be kind all of the time.

But no matter what your religion, or where you come from, or who you voted for, if you’re a human being, you have the capacity to do one kind thing.

Sometimes that will change someone’s life forever.

"I truly believe that because I have experienced it first hand.

"I experienced an act of kindness when I felt most alone in the wold and it changed everything for me.

Mr Brady will be using the afternoon as research material for his upcoming shows ‘Kindness’ and ‘Spitfire.

He will be performing them at the Lowery Theatre in Salford in November.

Alistair Sinclair Ness, 70, from Accrington stopped in to the caravan on his way through town.

He said: "That was absolutely excellent.

"I'm an artist myself so I like to support people in what they are doing.

"It was really funny but I got quite emotional at the end.

"We definitely need more kindness in the world."

The event was part of Lancashire Storytelling Season which will see a host of pop up events and free family festival days take place across Lancashire.

Spot On Rural Touring and Libraries have teamed up with Super Slow Way, Burnley Mechanics and Darwen Library Theatre to bring some of the best storytellers in the country to the county.

A free one day storytelling festival will take place in Darwen Library Theatre on September 30 as part of Lancashire storytelling season.

The festival is open to people of all ages and will give attendees the opportunity to witness storytellers bring their enchanting tales to life in a variety of different locations.

There will be library taster sessions available including arts and crafts from Darwen Library Crafters and singing from the Library Larks.