Comic genius Spike Milligan will make a rare public appearance in Coventry later this month to support a local mental health organisation.

Milligan will visit the Central Methodist Hall in Warwick Lane on 28 January for an open day held by Coventry-based Krysalis.

The organisation, which has over 70 members in the area, is holding a day of events and exhibitions to encourage people who may need their help and advice.

Project co-ordinator Paula Dillon is delighted that Milligan will appear and believes the news will raise the profile of Krysalis considerably.

She said:

"One of our members actually knows Spike and we were absolutely thrilled when we found out that he wanted to come and support us.

"Krysalis caters for people with all sorts of mental health problems from schizophrenia to self harmers and although we are Coventry-based we are helping people nation-wide.

"The idea of the open day is to offer a relaxed environment for people who may need our help to see exactly what can be done for them.

"We are hoping that Mr Milligan may read a poem or something but we are not expecting too much from him, it is just great that he is coming.

"We have circulated invitations around the Caludon Centre at Walsgrave Hospital and to various other places so we are hopeful that there will be a good turnout."

Other activities on the day will include various music groups performing, poetry readings and seminars from mental health specialists. The event starts at 2pm.

Admission to the event will be by ticket only to those who have experienced mental health problems.

Anybody who would like more information should contact Krysalis on 024 76 230860.