STAR of stage and screen Sir Ian McKellen will hold a special sold-out performance in the county today.

The actor, best known for his appearances in Lord of the Rings and X-Men, will appear on stage at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick this evening.

The 80-year-old will take part in a number of anecdotes and performances as some of his best known characters.

His appearance in Keswick is the latest stop on a solo show tour across the country.

After his Keswick show, he will travel up to Edinburgh for a four-night stint at the Fringe Festival, followed by a show in Orkney.

He will end his tour after that with a final show of the year in London.