Jamie Hildreth, who has been confirmed as a second guest for the charity dinner at the Devon Motel<br>credit: Tom Sandberg / www.ppauk.com

SOMERSET batsman Jamie Hildreth has been confirmed as the second VIP guest at a charity dinner in Exeter on February 6.

Former Somerset and England spinner Vic Marks is the guest of honour at the dinner, which is largely in aid of the Devon-based Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health.

The newly merged Alphington & Countess Wear Cricket Club has arranged the dinner on February 6 at the Devon Hotel.

Vic Marks - headline guest at the charity dinnerBBC radio and ITV presenter Mark Tyler, who successfully fought his own cancer battle in 2019, is one of the organisers and compere for the evening.

Hildreth will take part in a question-and-answer session with Tyler once the dinner tables have been cleared.

Some of the proceeds will also help Tyler’s son James, who plays for Alphington & Countess Wear, go to South Africa with the Devon Development squad next month.

Marks, now the Guardian’s cricket correspondent, is one of the best-known voices on BBC Radio’s Test Match Special programme. 

Marks joined Somerset at the same time as Ian Botham, Viv Richards and Peter Roebuck. He spins many hilarious stories about his life in cricket from that day on.

From the wicket to the commentary box – from Botham to Blowers – Marks is never short of an anecdote, a strong opinion about the current state of the game and plans for the new 100-ball competition in the summer ahead.

Many of Marks’ best stories are in his new book, Original Spin, Misadventures in Cricket, copies of which he will be signing at the dinner.

The dining room at the Devon Motel has a capacity of 105 and is almost full for the evening. Around a dozen tickets remain for any latecomers. Tickets are £45 each. The meal is a three-course carvery supplemented either side by a pre-chosen starter and dessert. The dress code for the evening is smart casual.

Email mark@savmedia.co.uk to book tickets or call Tyler on 07831 591825.

Original Spin, Misadventures in Cricket, is published by Atlantic Books and available from bookstores or on-line from the publishers and other outlets