July 6-15, Various venues.

COMIC Paul Merton has decided to do one live gig in England this year - and it will be at the Frome Festival.

The TV and radio personality agreed to return because he had such a good time and was so well looked after in 2006.

Festival director Martin Bax struck the deal through events management company Purple Cactus Productions, which represent Merton.

Mr Bax described the gig at the Memorial Theatre on Friday, July 13 as a phenomenal coup.

"Unlucky for some but lucky for the Frome Festival. We're delighted to have him back," Mr Bax said.

Merton's agent said: "Paul cleared his 2007 diary because he has a big tour planned in 2008 but he has made an exception for Frome because he had so much fun last time.

"Congratulations! You have him doing his only scheduled live gig in England this year," he said.

The seventh Frome Festival, which takes place from July 6-15, features more than 140 events over ten days, covering classical, jazz, film, literary, art and community events.

Other big name attractions include comedian Ken Dodd, who will be performing at the Memorial theatre and Shakespearean actor Michael Pennington, as well as appearances from Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud and actor Timothy West.

Landscape and nature are important aspects of this year's festival, which has a green' theme.

Mr Bax said: "We have a really fun day out for all the family at the Green Fair. Kevin McCloud has done us proud again by agreeing to open it.

"And for all of you with green fingers, the Gardener's Question Time event is a must. Both will be held at the Cheese and Grain."

Rook Lane Chapel is celebrating its 300th anniversary and is hosting an evening with actor Timothy West, who will read extracts from the memoirs of Casanova, accompanied by Sophie Yates playing the music of Vivaldi, Rameau and Handel.

The festival is also going out further afield this year.

"I strongly recommend the events being held at our beautiful Longleat Estate, by kind permission of Lord Bath," said Mr Bax.

"You can hear talks, take a tour of the house and attend a unique Elizabethan concert in the Great Hall. The programme features music of the period and works from some of our finest poets and writers, brought to life by the celebrated Shakespearean actor Michael Pennington."

Other big names include The Stranglers and Show of Hands at the Cheese and Grain and Cara Dillon at the Merlin.

For more information, visit www.fromefestival.co.uk