An afternoon with Martin Bell OBE, End of Empire, has been set for Sunday, May 24, at Beccles Public Hall.

Martin will be talking about his experiences being a soldier in the Suffolk Regiment during the last two years of the British Empire. He accepted the invitation to support the Public Hall as a patron with enthusiastic relish and, in the two years since he was welcomed into the fold, he has jumped at any opportunity to visit Beccles and help with a fundraising event.

Sue Bergin, event coordinator, siad: “Martin must be a very busy man but he always makes time to help us further our fundraising efforts whilst offering numerous fascinating talks on his rich life’s experiences. We are extremely grateful to him.”

Martin has strong links with the Beccles area, having been born and brought up in Redisham where his father was author-farmer, Adrian Bell.

He is an author, journalist and politician and was appointed UNICEF Ambassador for Humanitarian Emergencies in 2001.

The event will begin at 3pm, and his books will be on sale, along with cakes and other refreshments.

Tickets cost £8 or £7 for concessions, available from the box office, open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm, by calling 01502 770060 or visit www.becclespublichall.com