A COMEDIAN is returning to his home county to help raise funds for vulnerable young people.

Rob Deering, who grew up in Thame, is part of the line-up for Fun Raiser 2010, at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford.

The event is in aid of the Oxfordshire Association for Young People Trust (OAYP), which uses art to improve the lives of isolated, vulnerable and at-risk young people across the county.

Mr Deering said his own experiences at youth theatre groups convinced him of their benefits.

He said: “Growing up in Oxfordshire I kicked against school.

“My efforts to lead a serious indie band fared better, but were ultimately just daydreams.

“My life as I know it began at Thame Youth Theatre, where I appeared in plays, musicals, cabarets and music gigs, before going on to write, direct and produce shows of all kinds for them.

“Everything I do now began then, and my core group of friends, among them a TV producer, a festival promoter, an advertising creative, a music producer and writers and actors, all went there too.

“Thame Youth Theatre was the key ongoing experience of my young life.”

Huw Thomas, co-founder of Downstairs at the Kings Head comedy night, will host the evening, which also features comedians Otiz Cannelloni, Mike Maier and Steve Best.

More than 700 people are expected to attend the event on Thursday, December 9.

Trust director Helen Le Brocq said the economic downturn has made its work more relevant than ever.

She said: “In this tough financial climate young people need support now more than ever to avoid the traps of low aspiration, poverty and lack of motivation.

“We know funds are tight so we have decided to take matters into our own hands and produce an evening of fun and laughter to counteract worries over funding cuts.”

Ms Le Brocq added the money raised will help young people “find outlets to express themselves, experiment with their artistic voice, and explore new ideas and new media for creating art”.

Tickets cost £20 from the Pegasus Theatre box office. Call 01865 812150 for information.