POOCH-pampering poet and comic John Hegley headlines this year's Lancaster Litfest as he brings his new show to the city.

Born in Newington Green in 1953, Hegley moved to Luton at an early age.

After leaving school he worked as a bus conductor and social security clerk, until he went to Bradford University, eking out his grant by working as a nurse in a local mental hospital.

And his show at the Dukes Theatre on November 14 promises to be a night to remember.

Hegley hits Lancaster as part of a 20-date UK tour which aims to build on his success at the Edinburgh Fringe.

No stranger to TV - he has appeared on Wogan, the Jonathan Ross Show and Richard and Judy - Hegley is well known as much for his comedy and poetry as well as the nine books he has written.

He has performed all over the world, in places as diverse as Melbourne, Montreal, Wellington, Columbia, Zanzibar and Arbroath and is known as one of the UK's most innovative comic artists.

Hegley hits the Litfest on Sunday, November 14 at the Dukes. The show starts at 7.30pm with tickets priced at £10 (£6 concessions).

For details call the Litfest office on 01524-62166.