A PHILANTHROPIST, TV presenter and former Andover resident has said she is ‘delighted’ to launch her live speaking tour in her hometown next year.

Katie Piper will start her 13 date tour, What’s in My Head, at The Lights on Tuesday, 13 March.

On her decision to start her tour in the town where she grew up, Katie said: “I am so happy to be starting my debut tour in Andover, my hometown – there really is no better feeling than that.

“I think I’ll be extra nervous though because of it.

“I hope to recognise a few familiar faces of friends and family too which will add to the nerves I think!

“It’s such a special moment for me.”

Yet the town will not have to wait until March next year however to see the charity campaigner host an event in Andover.

She is set to host this year’s Pride of Andover awards later this month, taking over from Esther Rantzen DBE who spent a decade in the hosting hotseat.

With less than a couple of weeks to go until the awards ceremony on 18 October, Katie said she is honoured to host the awards, adding: “I’m really looking forward to it.

“There are some incredible nominees and I can’t wait to meet them all on the night after reading so much about them.

“The fact that they’re all Andover based makes it extra special of course!”

The inspirational speaker’s tour, What’s in My Head, will also give theatregoers the opportunity for a meet and greet, plus get a copy of her new book ‘From Mother to Daughter’ signed.

In a time of glossy magazines, Photoshop, Instagram filters and app dating, Katie says remaining in touch with reality has never been harder.

On her tour, she will be sharing what she has learnt and what helped her remain positive through the toughest of times.

She will discuss her own battles with anxiety and explain how she has overcome its crippling clutches.

Katie is opening her own diaries, photo albums and personal memories in the intimate and revealing talk about her life.

She says insecurities exist in us all and adversity in life is unavoidable and asks how can they be managed and how can we find the light in the darkest of times?

Katie believes no matter how big or small your challenges might seem, there is always a confident way forward and she will share with you how this might work for you.

Tickets cost £15 and for a meet and copy of her book tickets are £40.

For more information and tickets, visit thelights.org.uk or katiepiperandyou.co.uk