A celebrity famous for repeating himself is heading for Ilkley next month.

John Savident, alias butcher Fred Elliot in Coronation Street, will open the Spring exhibition of The British Society of Painters.

The actor will perform the opening honours at the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens at 11am on Saturday March 18.

Event director, Ilkley-based Leslie Simpson, said: "John Savident, himself a keen art collector and enthusiast, will enjoy himself wandering through the feast of art that is on show and for sale, before returning to the balcony of the Winter Gardens to sign autographs at around noon."

While Mr Simpson is busy preparing for the Spring exhibition, he is also looking ahead to the summer. He has revealed that Leeds United manager David O'Leary has agreed to open the summer exhibition in June.

The Spring exhibition opens on March 18 and runs until March 26. The exhibition will be open daily from noon until 5pm.

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