SAM West will be breaking into one of his toughest assignments yet to make time to give the readings at the St John Day of Reconciliation at Canterbury Cathedral on September 24.

This month sees his debut at English National Opera, where he directs Cosi Fan Tutti a project that is presently consuming just about every minute of his life.

But at least he has a strong theatrical pedigree to call on: his father is Timothy West and his mother Prunella Scales, two of the best-regarded actors in Britain.

His credits range from Hornblower on TV to Frankenstein on film. Some will recognise him as Anthony Blunt from the BBC TV's recent Cambridge Spies.

For more information on the Concert of Reconciliation and a ticket booking form, see this week's Kent Messenger Group paid-for weekly newspapers.