A HEXHAM author who is due to receive his MBE at Buckingham Palace will give a talk in aid of a local food bank and hospice in celebration of his achievement.

Stan Beckensall, who has written more than 40 books on prehistoric rock art, will give a talk on the subject on Tuesday, March 19 at Hexham Abbey, with ticket sales benefiting West Northumberland Food Bank and Tynedale hospice charities. He will attend Buckingham palace on Thursday where he will receive the MBE he received in the New Year’s Honours list.

Last year he raised £1,400 for local and national charities through giving talks.