POET Roger McGough has agreed to be the guest speaker at the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants’ forthcoming annual dinner.

Despite being one of the city’s best-known poets, Mr McGough’s services for the evening were secured at an encounter on the other side of the world.

Martyn Best, president of the Liverpool Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “I met Roger in Shanghai last year at Expo 2010, and was enthralled by his contribution to the Liverpool Day and sheer love of Liverpool. I am delighted that he accepted my invitation to be our guest speaker at this year’s annual dinner and I have no doubt that he will add wit, wisdom and humour to our event at such a stunning venue.

“We’re nearly sold out, but have a few tables remaining, and I hope to welcome both Roger and many of our local friends to what I’m sure will be a very enjoyable evening – with still a few surprises to come.”

The dinner takes place at St George’s Hall on the evening of Friday, November 25.

A performance poet and presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Poetry Please, Mr McGough is one of Britain’s best-known poets. He has published many poetry collections and received an OBE in 1997 and a CBE in 2004 for services to poetry. He has also been given the freedom of the City of Liverpool.