RADIO soap star Norman Painting, who appears in Radio 4's The Archers, is helping to raise money for a regional cancer charity.

Norman, who plays the character of Phil Archer is helping to generate money for the Cobalt Unit Appeal Fund, a body which provides help and treatment to cancer patients across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

He is heading for the Cotswold Village of Blockley on Saturday, June 5, where he is guest speaker at a garden exhibition at Mill Dene house starting at noon.

Champagne and canaps are part of this lunchtime launch, with a display of carved lettering in glass, stone, wood and slate, at the water mill garden.

For details, log onto www.gardenvisit-cotswolds.co.uk or to purchase the £12.50 tickets in advance call 07876 644940. Blockley is situated on the B4479 and sign posted off the A44 near Moreton-in-Marsh.