IAN McMillan, Yorkshire’s favourite poet, broadcaster and comedian, is bringing a one-off, improvised show to Giggleswick’s Richard Whiteley Theatre later this month.

Accompanied by Tony Husband, Cartoonist of the Year, Ian and the audience will create a poem inspired by the area and imaginary tales of the railway.

The Cartoon History of Here has been organised by the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company.

"Anything can happen," said Ian, who celebrated his 59th birthday last month. "It will be a lot of fun. It is all about audience participation, but there is nothing threatening.

"The show is about joy and hopefully, by the end, we will have been on a magical journey on the Settle-Carlisle Railway."

The show works by the audience providing ideas, which Ian - known as the Bard of Barnsley - turns into a poem and Tony illustrates with hilarious cartoons.

"He is a cartoon genius," said Ian, who greets everyone at the door as they arrive to get a feel for the audience. "We put everything on a flipchart and, as an added bonus, one of the audience takes away the cartoon at the end of the evening.

"Some people think we have something planned, but we haven't. We never know what is going to happen."

Ian hopes that inspiration for the Giggleswick show will be found in the history, myths and legends that surround the Settle-Carlisle Railway.

Drew Haley, general manager of the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “The history and landscape of the Settle-Carlisle Railway should be a great source of inspiration for Ian and Tony. I remember seeing one of the ‘Cartoon History’ shows a few years ago in the Midlands. It was a fantastic evening’s entertainment so we’re really excited to be promoting it here."

It will be Ian's second visit to North Craven in three months - in November, he presented his Magic Lantern show with photographer Ian Beesley at Settle's Victoria Hall.

"I hope some of that audience will come along to Giggleswick," said Ian, who has been described as one of today's greatest poetry performers by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy .

The performance will take place on Friday, February 27, at 7.30pm and is suitable for all ages. For more information and tickets, visit giggleswick.org.uk/rwt