One of Britain’s most popular TV stars is to speak in Birmingham to raise funds for the Journalists’ Charity.

Sir Michael Parkinson has agreed to be this year’s guest at the charity’s annual lunch at The Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, on Friday, June 22.

The charity, formerly known as the Newspaper Press Fund, has been holding the lunch in Birmingham since 1993, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for journalists in need.

Sir Michael started his working life aged 16 on local newspapers in Yorkshire before joining the Manchester Guardian and later the Daily Express. He has continued to work across print, radio and TV, winning international acclaim and countless awards.

This year he achieves another milestone. Sir Michael said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at the lunch as I am celebrating 60 years in journalism.”

Tickets for the lunch cost £45, which includes a three-course meal, and a ten per cent discount is available for tables of ten booked before the end of April at £400. After April, all tickets cost £45.

For ticket information email val.deeley@live.co.uk.