AM AYRES was a household name in the late 1970s and early 1980s and 2005 marks 30 years since she first appeared on TV's Opportunity Knocks.

To celebrate this anniversary, she is embarking on a grand tour of Great Britain and Ireland.

The tour includes two dates in Gwent. The poet and entertainer, who has sold more than 2.5 million books, visits Newport's Riverfront on Saturday, February 19, at 7.30pm. She follows that up with a date at Abergavenny's Borough Theatre on Wednesday, April 20, at 7.30pm.

The tour is called 'They Should Have Asked My Husband'. Known for her quirky sense of humour and unique way with words, her mixture of stories, jokes, poems and anecdotes have made her a firm favourite with audiences of all ages over the decades.

To book tickets for the performance at Newport's Riverfront next week, which cost between £5.50 and £13, contact 01633 656757.