A former England test cricketer turned after dinner speaker will host a special lunch in Bury St Edmunds as part of the town’s festival of sport.

Geoff Miller OBE, a highly respected figure in English cricket, will be the guest speaker at the event, which takes place on Friday, October 27, at the Athenaeum.

The lunch has been organised as part of this year’s Bury St Edmunds Festival of Sport and will raise money for charity SportsAid in Suffolk.

Miller, who played 34 tests for England from 1976-1984 before becoming the first national ECB selector, has established himself as an entertaining after dinner speaker, with tales of his time playing with some of the game’s greats.

The lunch has been sponsored by Abbeycroft Leisure and Lovewell Blake alongside support from Our Bury St Edmunds.

Warren Smyth, chief executive of Abbeycroft Leisure, said: “The lunch is a wonderful opportunity to not only hear from one of the very best sporting speakers around but also support up and coming local sportsmen and women.

“The fact that the Ashes are just around the corner makes it even more topical.”

Brian Floringer, partner for Lovewell Blake LLP, said: “I’d really encourage the local business community to support this event.

“Not only are they guaranteed a great time but they will also be helping our young sportsmen and women on the road to sporting success. It’s such an easy way to make a difference.”

Further details, and a booking form, are available from SportsAid Eastern trustee Adam Baker at adam.baker@suffolk.gov.uk or 07894 598296.

Tickets cost £30 per head or £240 for a table of 8.

The Our Bury St Edmunds Festival of Sport runs over the half-term week from Monday, October 23, to Sunday, October 29, and a variety of events and activities are planned.

Details of the week are still being finalised but Our Bury St Edmunds is working with a number of organisations to encourage people to participate and find out more about sporting activities in the area.

Positive Steps is organising a 5k run through the town centre on Wednesday, October 25, and the first Bury St Edmunds Running Festival will also take place as part of the festival.