A well-known impersonator of comedy legend Tommy Cooper will be ‘thanking’ the people of Saffron Walden in advance of their support of his latest fundraiser ... just like that.

John Byatt is planning to take on a six-day trek across Venezuela next year to raise money for the Papworth Trust and Meningitis Now.

To kick-off his year-long fundraising campaign he will be holding an event, called ‘Thank You Very Much’ – fittingly named after the famous comedy act he mirrors – in the town this weekend.

He will be wowing crowds with his impersonation of the late Cooper and showing off some magic tricks. And he will be joined on stage by some special guests including Saffron Players, who will be singing First World War songs, magician Steve Barsby and other acts.

The 65-year-old told the Reporter: “It is going to be a great event. I just love entertaining and doing something a bit different.

“Even though I live in Papworth, I was born and raised in Saffron Walden and I do all my fundraising here. I just love the town – you’ll have to excuse the pun, but it has a certain magic about it.”

This will be the fourth charity trek that John has taken part in. His previous excursions have taken him to India, Thailand and Cuba.

The taxi driver will now spend the next 12 months preparing for his latest adventure.

“I went to Cuba when I was 63 so I am giving myself some time to rest and train. But I am not doing bad for 65,” he added.

The variety show will take place at Dame Bradbury’s School, Ashdon Road, on Saturday (April 26) starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets, £6 (or £20 for a group of four people) available from Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre. Alternatively, e-mail geraldine.cowell@hotmail.co.uk for tickets and details.