BAFTA winning EastEnders actor Des Coleman, who brightens up rainy days presenting the ITV weather, will be officially opening the Halesowen Carnival.

Mr Coleman has appeared in numerous television shows including four years as lovable rouge Lenny Wallace in EastEnders, for which he won a BAFTA.

His films includes Is Harry on the boat? which was turned into a series by Sky and the wartime drama Submerged alongside Sam Neil.

He has also played lead roles in many West End productions including Chicago, Rent, Miss Saigon and Porgy and Bess and can also be seen as Sammy Davis Jr on a UK tour of The Rat Pack playing at Birmingham Town Hall on the June 9.

He said: "I can’t wait to enjoy the day.

"It’s going to be magical and I feel honoured to be asked to open the Halesowen Carnival."

Former Aston Villa star Tony Daley will also be at the carnival on Saturday, July 1.

Carnival organisers are close to naming the all important King and Queen of the carnival.

The carnival will be bigger than ever with the addition of a food and drink festival and longer opening hours.

Halesowen Carnival will be bigger than ever after organisers announced they are extending its opening hours.

On Saturday, July 1, the carnival will be open from noon until 8pm signal the start of the month-long Black Country Festival which will see celebrations across the region.

The event at Highfield Park, now in its third year since returning to the town's social calendar, will also have a dog show for the first time.

Lye's Sadler's Brewery, which dates back to 1900, has announced it will be sponsoring the 2017 carnival.

Nash Warren Insurance from Shell Corner, Halesowen has also donated the insurance to hold the event, which is expected to attract thousands of people.

Anyone wishing to perform, volunteer, sponsor a stage then please contact the team at halesowencarnival@gmail.com.