JIM Causley, the Devon folk singer and festival favourite, is to be the new patron of Lyme Folk Weekend, which will run from Friday, August 21 to Sunday 23.

Described as ‘one of the finest singers in the country’, Jim Causley, pictured, is the local boy made good and a rising star in the national folk firmament – but still has his feet planted firmly in the South West.

His great uncle was Lyme’s last stationmaster and he still has family living in and around the town and so regularly visits the area. Jim came to national prominence with his last album Cypress Well. He said: “I’ve played the festival two years running and I really liked its intimate, friendly feel and its unbeatable setting.

“The Marine Theatre is one of the best seaside theatres in the country.”

The organisers hope Jim will bring a unique local flavour to this year’s festival as he prepares to host a pre-festival “taster”, Lyme Folk Revisited, on Saturday, March 14 at Marine Theatre which will showcase some hand-picked local talent as well as his own material.

The line-up for the Lyme Folk Revisited event includes acts who thrilled audiences at last summer’s festival and who now take centre stage for an evening of performances.

These include up and coming acoustic duo Morgan and Knapp, Lyme-based brother and sister act, Six Days, singer-songwriter Lee Rahn, to the amazing family trio Aimée. Tickets are available from Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre.