THE Blackburn-born star of the timeless and successful television series The Waltons is to be guest of honour at the first ever event of a fan club.

Actor and musician Jon Walmsley, 58 who played Jason Walton in all ten seasons of the family-based drama, was born and spent his early years in Blackburn.

His family moved to California when he was aged five, and he later successfully auditioned for the role of red-haired Jason in the series which ran from 1971 until 1981.

He is also an accomplished musician, having worked with the likes of Michael McDonald, Gregg Allman, Merle Haggard and Roger Daltrey.

Walmsley also returned to perform in all of the Waltons reunion projects during the 1980s and 1990s, as well as creating the voice of Christopher Robin for Disney's Winnie the Pooh cartoons.

He has been invited back to the UK by Martin Ashton of the Waltons Friendship Society for a special concert and show where he will meet fans.

Martin, said: “Jon is indeed Blackburn born and bred. The story I heard was that one of his brothers became ill and his family moved to California for the sunshine.

“He auditioned for the part and appeared in the series all the way through. He was a musical character and could often be seen playing the guitar.

“There’s still a lot of fans of the show and we’ve got people coming to meet Jon from as far away as Germany for the fan club event.

“Jon will be interviewed live on stage before performing a short concert of his music and will sign Waltons memorabilia.

“The event is being held in Stratford-upon-Avon but Jon would like everyone from his home town to know he’s returning to the UK.”

The event is on Saturday, September 13 at Shottery Memorial Hall, Stratford from 1.30pm to 6.45pm Tickets range from £13 to £100 and are available at www.waltonsfriendshipsociety.com.