FORMER Ashes hero and pace ace Steve Harmison is coming to the area next week.

In what promises to be a treat for cricket fans, the ex-Durham and England fast bowler will be special guest at the annual Westmorland League dinner, which takes place at Pine Lake, Carnforth at 7pm on Friday, November 8.

Harmison was ranked the number one Test bowler in the world when he destroyed the West Indies in 2004, taking 7/12 at Sabina Park.

A close friend of cricket legend turned TV personality Andrew Flintoff, he was also a key member of the England team which won back the Ashes in 2005 after a 20 year gap.

Less happily, he bowled that wild first ball at Brisbane in the 2006/7 Ashes series, but was back to play a part as England regained the Ashes in 2009.

Having taken 744 first class wickets, he retired in 2012 and has appeared regularly as a TV summariser as well as enjoying a period as the manager of his local non-league football team.

A few tickets for the event are still available from kevinjovi@hotmail.co.uk or 07766 553121.