ONE of Coronation Street's most loveable comedy characters is to open Adlington Carnival.

Andrew Whyment, famed for his role as Kirk Sutherland, will attend the popular three-day show which takes place on August 6, 7, and 8. The 22-year-old has also appeared in television shows including Heartbeat and The Royle Family.

The borough's biggest carnival has a tradition of attracting top TV names -- with previous events opened by Coronation Street's Tyrone and Dev, boxer Frank Bruno and comics Cannon and Ball.

This year's line-up also includes the return of the Pop Stars talent competition, with the first heats taking place at the Clayton Arms, Market Street, Adlington, on Friday, July 9 at 9pm. For details call Jenny on 01257 475235.

Other attractions include London-based urban and hip-hop record company North Town Recordz and the Mai-Jan school of dance.