ENGLAND Ashes hero Steve Harmison is on a long run-up to appear in Barrow this month.

The former fast bowler is the guest of honour at a dinner to raise funds for Lindal Moor Cricket Club.

Harmison took 226 wickets in 63 Tests at an average of 31.82, making him England's 13th highest wicket-taker in the five-day format.

The Durham product made his Test and One-Day International debut for England in 2002 and played a vital role in England's victories in the 2005 and 2009 Ashes series.

He is well remembered by cricket fans for taking the wicket of Michael Kasprowicz which won the famous second Test at Edgbaston, when the match was decided in the hosts' favour by just two runs.

As a result of his efforts in the series, Harmison was selected as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.

The north-easterner is equally famous for the opening ball of the 2006/07 Ashes, which he bowled straight to second slip, resulting in a wide that media commentators dubbed as "the worst ball in history".

Lindal chairman Paul Clarke spoke of his delight in securing Harmison's services for the sportsman's dinner at the Lisdoonie Hotel, and said: “We know Steve doesn’t do many events in the year, as he has commitments as manager of Ashington FC, so we feel lucky to have him.

“He’ll be telling us all about his career, his close friendship with (andrew) Freddie Flintoff, and there will be the option to ask him some questions too.”

The event takes place on Friday, November 18, and and tickets cost £30, including a three-course dinner.

Harmison will be supported on the night by comedian Barry York. There will also be a raffle and auction.

Tickets are available from Colin Knight on 07508 870653 or by emailing lindalmoorcc@yahoo.co.uk