A night of music and poetry is helping raise funds for the Sheringham Little Theatre.

The Sheringham Shantymen are headlining the event organised by theatre and folk fan Graham Jones who ran a similar show last year that raised �2,000 for the venue's Stars refurbishment appeal.

BBC television presenter Susie Fowler-Watt will be reading poetry, while an appropriate touch will be added on St Patrick's Day, Saturday March 17, by Irish-based folk singer Justin Grounds.

Mr Jones, a county and district councillor from Antingham, said: 'I love Sheringham Little Theatre and felt moved to help it last year - using connections within the folk world I have from visiting folk clubs,

'The theatre is a fantastic resource and deserves the support of local people.'

He will also be on stage singing the Irish folk song Carrickfergus as his 'indulgence,' and leading some community singing.

The show, called A March of Music and Poetry with a touch of Irish, is on Saturday March 17th at 7.30pm

Susie Fowler-Watt will read a mixture of poignant and humorous popular poems. She said: 'I know how important the theatre is to the cultural life of north Norfolk and was happy to accept Graham's invitation to read some poetry - which is better than doing something out of my comfort zone such as singing.

'Although I read the news to lots of viewers, it is done in a computer-controlled studio. Standing in front of a live audience is different and I will be nervous.' she added.

Joe Oxtoby, the son of the district council chief executive, will also be reading a poem about chocolate cake.

Justin Grounds, an Australian living in Clonakilty will be singing songs from his new CD The Dissolving.

Also appearing are former local high school teacher Pete Sanpher on vocals and guitar, singer songwriter Tina Wegg singing folk accomnpanied by double bassist Steve Wiles, balladeer Hayley Cawthorne, and the 5th Watch group doing folk rock including Bob Dylan songs. The group is led by Shantymen musical director Brian Farrow. The shanty group will providing the rousing seafaring song finale for the show.

Funds will go to the theatre's Stars appeal which has been paying for improvements ranging from re-upholstering the seats and redecoration to improving technical equipment including a lighting board and new website.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson welcomed the boost the concerts gave to the appeal, which was now �10,000 short of its �35,000 target. People could also help the appeal by buying stars, sponsoring seats and buying the theatre's Drama Queen rose.

Tickets for the evening, which starts at 7.30pm, are �12 through the box office on 01263 822347.

? Buy a copy of the North Norfolk News out on March 8 for a chance to win tickets to the concert, along with a fish and chip supper, CDs and a signed poetry book.