ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu will be sharing his message of world peace next week when he appears on stage at Croydon's Fairfield Halls.

The South African cleric and activist will be talking to Sir Trevor MacDonald about his incredible life and causes, with all profits from the event going to the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre in Cape Town.

The archbishop who was curate at St. Augustine’s Church in Grove Park, from 1972 to 1975, rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid.

He became the second South African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and has continued to campaign vigorously for human rights throughout the world.

In a video message ahead of his An Audience With show, he said: "The World Cup is now over and what an incredible experience. This has been another opportunity for us to show the world how we do things. It has also gone a long way in uniting our nation.

"During the world cup I had the great pleasure of spending time with your wonderful David Beckham. What a nice young man.

"I will be in London with my great friend Sir Trevor McDonald to share with you our global peace project.

"It would be wonderful to see you there and have the time to share my vision for a world committed to peace – a world in which everyone is heard, cared for and loved."

An Audience with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon. August 5. 7.30pm. £20 to £25. Call 020 8688 9291 or visit fairfield.co.uk