A return to Malvern for actress Judy Cornwell later this month will mean much more to her than the thrill of performing on the Festival Theatre stage.

For the star of You're Only Young Twice says she just cannot wait to get back here . . . to breathe in the town's air!

The star of television, film, radio, stage and prose - best known internationally for her portrayal of Daisy in TV comedy Keeping Up Appearances - can't even remember the last time she was here, but a penchant for Malvern Water often prompts a longing for one of the town's unique qualities.

"I'm looking forward to coming back," she says. "The last time I was there was in E S Benson's Paying Guests, when I played Mrs Bliss, a long time ago and the fresh air is beautiful, really beautiful."

Her role when she returns to the Malvern stage on October 22 is as Rose in a Ron Aldridge-penned comedy that sees her linking up with old friends Brian Murphy (George & Mildred) and Victor Spinetti once more.

The play, which also features Carmen Silvera, follows a group of pensioners trying to recapture their youth. It is said to be touching as well as funny.

"It's really lovely to work with old friends because you feel at home," says Judy. "It's a difficult one to do but there are lots of laughs. I find myself laughing even when I'm just watching from the wings.

"There's lots of things people will identify with and that's not just older people but younger people as well."

Based in Brighton, and also an accomplished novelist, she is particularly keen to take the Eastbourne Theatres' show on the road as she says it is an unusual pastime in the modern acting profession.

She adds: "We're all experienced actors, all working together and all prepared to go out into theatres in the regions but it will be very different in the future."

Which all means they'll miss out on a lung-full of fresh Malvern air!

You're Only Young Twice is produced by Eastbourne Theatres and will run from Monday 22 until Saturday 27 October.

Tickets are available from the Festival Theatre box office on 01684 892277.