IT is over 25 years since writer, entertainer, comedienne and broadcaster, Pam Ayres became a professional entertainer.

It was in 1975 when Pam first appeared in TV's 'Opportunity Knocks', and since then her humourous poems have contributed immeasurably to the wider appeal today of all forms of poetry.

The Arts Council's recently published (October 2000) report on poetry, 'Rhyme and Reason', identified Pam as being the fifth best-selling poet during the years 1998 and 1999, following Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney, Carol Ann Duffy and Sylvia Plath.

One of Pam's best known poems, 'I Wish I'd Looked After Me Teeth', was recently voted into the 'Top 10' in a BBC poll to find the nation's favourite comic poems.

To coincide with Pam's 25th year as an entertainer, BBC Worldwide released the video, 'Pam Ayres - Live in Concert'. Recorded as a concert at the Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, this video features Pam doing what she does best; entertaining with her poems, stories and jokes.

BBC Worldwide also repackaged Pam's best-selling book 'Pam Ayres - The Works', which has been in print since 1992, with sales now exceeding 100,000.

A recent newspaper reviewer said of one of Pam's concerts: "I have never laughed so delightedly. Her live stand-ups are an unmissable treat. Sheer blissful comedy.'

Pam Ayres will appear at The Torch Theatre next Wednesday, June 19, at 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 and may be purchased from the theatre box office, tel. 01646 695267.