Celebrities are practising their lines and rehearsing their gags for a variety show spectacular in honour of Sir Tom Finney.

Final preparations are under way for the Preston North End legend's Big Knight Out event which will raise money for various charities. 

The show will feature a host of stars including Frank Carson, Lancashire dancers The Cheeky Monkeys from Britain's Got Talent and Preston soul singer Stephen Bayliss. 

To coincide with the show, a publication called Sir Tom Finney - Commemorative  Magazine has been launched to celebrate his lifetime of achievement. 

The magazine highlights Sir Tom's achievements with a variety of tributes from across the sporting world and 50% of the proceeds will go towards his appeal. 

Jim Cadman, chairman of the Sir Tom Finney Day Committee, said: "The magazine is dripping with adoration. 

"We have reviewed his life as a Lancastrian and a player and we will be taking pages from the magazine to use on Sir Tom Finney Day.  The people will be there to voice their thoughts in person." 

Jim said final preparations are going well for the variety show which will take place at The Guild Hall on November 23, but said it has not sold out. 

He said: "It's going very well - it is going to be the biggest variety show in Preston for a number of years. 

"Sir Tom has invited a number of carers. 

"He has given them a chance to go because he thinks laughter is the best medicine." 

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Sir Tom Finney Day, which will raise money for charities Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), Baby Beat and Sir Tom Finney's Alzheimer's Appeal. 

As part of Sir Tom Finney Day, the National Football Museum will launch an exhibition of photographs on March 28 next year to celebrate his life. 

The launch will take place two days after a gala dinner at Preston's Guild Hall. 

The Lancashire Evening Post is media partner for the exhibition. 

Reporter Ben Robinson is interested in speaking to anyone with Sir Tom mementoes or memories. 

Contact him at ben.robinson@lep.co.uk  or 01772 838 029.