An award-winning actor is set to be the guest of honour at the opening of a new programme at a Cumbrian events centre.

Alun Armstrong, best known for playing detective Brian Lane in the long-running television crime series New Tricks, will be visiting Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre on April 20.

Mr Armstrong will attend a Friends of the Kirkgate reception to celebrate the launch of Kirkgate Arts’ new live-streaming programme, which will feature the best of national and international theatre, opera, music and exhibitions.

The programme kicks off next Thursday April 20 with a live performance of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead transmitted via satellite from the Old Vic Theatre, London.

The play, by Tom Stoppard, stars Daniel Radcliffe - known for playing Harry Potter - and Joshua McGuire in a comic sideways look at Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

The well-know actor has appeared in many acclaimed films, plays, musicals and television series'.

He featured in the original London production of Les Misérables and took the title role in Sweeney Todd at the National Theatre for which he won an Olivier Award.

His cinema work includes Get Carter, with Michael Caine, Sleepy Hollow and Braveheart.

He was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company for nine years and was a guest star in the 2014 Downton Abbey Christmas special.

Marion Bowman, chairman of the Kirkgate trustees, said: "Alun is one of the UK’s best loved actors.

"He is a great supporter of regional theatre and ensuring everyone can enjoy high quality music and drama.

"We are delighted he’s agreed to join our friends in celebrating the launch of live-streaming of National Theatre and Royal Opera House productions at the Kirkgate."