BOBBY BALL, one half of enduring comedy duo Canon and Ball, comes to Okehampton next weekend to share some laughter and talk about his life as a Christian.

Bobby will be speaking at a specially arranged church meeting at 6.30pm next Sunday, November 21. He has been invited to Okehampton by the Rev Cllr Mike Davies.

Cannon and Ball were once hailed as one of England?s funniest and most successful double acts and have performed in front of packed audiences throughout a career spanning 40 years.

Bobby became a Christian in 1986 and now enjoys using his comedic talents to show people the path to new life through opening their hearts to God.

He said: ?I want to show people that being a Christian isn?t boring. In fact it is just the opposite. It?s great! God wants us to laugh and enjoy this glorious life that he gave us.

?I want people to know that God cares and that he can fill gaps in our lives that the world can?t.?

Bobby has been sharing his faith since 1995, visiting many churches across the country to spread the word.

Bobby himself admits: ?At the height of our career, I could have anything I wanted, but it was never enough. Eventually, I was drinking a bottle of whisky a day, seeing as many women as I could and getting into fights as often as possible. I was not a nice man to be with, in fact I felt dirty and knew I needed forgiveness.?

The troubled comedian contacted a theatre chaplain who had once visited him in his dressing room, and asked for help. ?He explained all about Jesus, and how his death on the cross could not only enable me to be forgiven but actually start again. I knew it was for me,? said Bobby. Two months later his wife became a Christian and shortly after that his daughter made a commitment too.

Cllr Davies said: ?This funny man, through the Lord Jesus has touched the hearts of broken people through his testimony and the word of God. He speaks on real issues in a simple way that can be really understood and his enthusiasm for God really shines through.?

The meeting is free and seats are simply secured on a first come basis. The meeting will start with a time of worship, and then Bobby will tell some jokes and explain about his life as a Christian.

Further details regarding the evening can be obtained from any of the Okehampton church ministers or from Mike Davies on 01837 659233.