ONE of Britain's leading classical guitarists is due in Worcester later this month with a concert of music ranging from Matteo Carcassi to George Harrison.

Neil Smith has a reputation in dozens of countries and has broadcast on TV and radio as well as making his own CDs.

His 2,000 shows have seen him play in some unusual places - he's played before film star Elizabeth Taylor in Rome, for Tony Blair and the Cabinet at the Labour Party Conference and for the Queen Mother at her 100th birthday celebration in Glamis Castle.

He's also played at the Grand National at Aintree but probably his strangest venue was at another castle -- this time one that belonged to Attila the Hun, where he gave a special recital for a Soviet tank division.

His latest CD features music by Pagania, Albeniz, Sor and Guiuliani and his programme for his Worcester concert will feature music going back to the 18th Century as well as modern pieces.

It includes Rossini Fantasie by Matteo Carcass, Carnavalito Missionera by Jorge Morel, a Spanish Suite composed by Stepan Rak especially for Neil and a George Harrison tribute he has arranged himself.

He will be playing in the grand setting of the Great Hall, the Old Palace in Deansway, Worcester, on Saturday, May 10.

Tickets costing £7.50 are available on 01905 422748.