A charity which provides 24-hour emotional support is pulling out all the stops to provide an evening of laughter with one of Arsenal’s greatest entertainers.

Paul Merson – whose silky skills saw him dazzle in George Graham’s successful side of the late 1980s and early 1990s – will be speaking at Letchworth Hall Hotel from 7pm on Friday, October 2.

The Sky Sports pundit also made headlines when he admitted to cocaine, alcohol and gambling addictions in 1994, and has since spoken candidly about his road to recovery.

There will also be a two-course meal, followed by a silent auction and raffle to drum up funds for North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans.

Branch director Leigh Grigson said “We are very excited to be hosting this event with Paul Merson and hope to raise plenty of much-needed funds for Samaritans.

“This is the most ambitious fundraising event we have undertaken but will hopefully be a great success and help to raise awareness of the valuable service Samaritans provides to people with emotional problems.”

Joining the ex-Gunner will be John Stiles – son of dancing World Cup winner Nobby – and compere Jerry Earl.

To buy tickets – priced at £60 each or £550 for a table of 10 – contact Simon on 01462 733801 or emailing sadhr@yahoo.com.