One of the oldest press clubs in the country has secured Earl Spencer as the speaker at its October celebrity lunch.

The engagement is a major coup for the 135-year-old Birmingham Press Club.

The audience will be made up mainly of media professionals from the Midlands.

Earl Spencer hit the headlines for leading an attack on the media following the tragic death of his sister Princess Diana.

Chairman Andrew Sparrow said the organisation was “absolutely delighted” to have attracted such a noted speaker and declared it a real feather in the cap.

He said: “The club exists mainly for events and celebrity speakers like this to have a platform.

“It is a channel for speeches and debate and attracts speakers you would not normally attract to a business forum.

“There’s a certain cachet because of its reputation and we attract people from the world of media or politics.”

The club has previously welcomed a series of high-profile speakers, including Ludovic Kennedy, Germaine Greer and Mo Mowlam.

Earl Spencer will be VIP guest at the Press Club’s Celebrity Lunch on October 2, held at the Burlington Hotel in the city centre.

He created worldwide headlines following his address at Princess Diana’s funeral three years ago, when he savaged the media and also criticised the Royal Family over their treatment of his sister.

The Earl is expected to bring with him copies of his books The Spencer Family and Althorp, The Story of an English Family and personally-signed copies can be purchased on the day of the lunch.

Tickets, which include a two-course lunch and glass of wine, cost £19.95 for Press Club members and £29.95 for non-members.

Membership details can be obtained by contacting Mr Sparrow via email

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