A FORMER lead singer of a band, an ex-prisoner and the youngest female member of the House of Lords are just some of the people who will soon be appearing in Cricklade.

The Churches Together in Cricklade, which normally organises joint Bible studies during Lent, will be hosting a series of talks from Christians starting next month.

Talks will include former cabinet minister and ex-prisoner Jonathan Aitken on February 20, Liberal Democrat MP and Minister of State for Pensions Steve Webb on March 9, and former lead singer of Manfred Mann Paul Jones and his wife on March 20.

A spokesman for The Churches Together in Cricklade said: “The Churches Together in Cricklade normally organise joint Bible studies during the period of Lent.

“However, for 2012 we have decided to have something totally different which we hope will appeal to many of the residents of Cricklade and the surrounding area. We have invited a number of high-profile people who are Christians and asked them to speak about their faith and how it might influence them in what they do and how they live.”

Baroness Elizabeth Berridge will be speaking on March 1, Baroness Cox will be giving a talk on March 16 and former Zimbabwean test cricketer on April 4.

Chairman of Cricklade Town Council Coun David Tetlow said: “These people are coming along and talking about how Christianity has affected their lives, which is going to be very interesting for the residents of Cricklade.

“It should prove to be a very popular series of talks.

“At the moment I don’t think people have yet had the chance for it to sink in because of Christmas and the New Year but really it is a good way to start the new year off.”

For more information, call Graham Light on 01793 759181.