The diaries of a Victorian journalist will be brought to life in a one-man performance to mark 100 years since his death.

Anthony Hewitson was a 19th Century journalist who ran the Preston Chronicle from 1868-1890 and was also a local correspondent for the Times and the Manchester Guardian.

His diaries have been transcribed by former regional journalist Dr Andrew Hobbs, who is now a research associate at the University of Central Lancashire’s journalism school, with help from the diarist’s great-great niece, Margaret Dickinson.

A performance of the diaries, which are thought to be the only known diaries of a 19th Century provincial journalist, will take place at the university on 26 October, 100 years to the day since he died.

Andrew, who previously worked at the Lancashire Evening Post, Cheshire Life and The Observer, has enlisted the help of actor John Hickey, playwright Derek Martin and pianist Malcolm Sim for the show

He said: “The diaries are unique, and the show really brings Hewitson to life. As well as being a successful journalist, he was also a loving father and husband, and some of the most moving passages are about his children.

“There are also some very funny parts, as about 50 servants came and went, and there are tales of drunken councillors, his thoughts on the annoying new fad of football, and how he exposed the Vicar of Preston’s secret marriage to his housekeeper.”

The Hewitson Diaries: A journalist’s life in Victorian Preston takes place on 26 October at 7.30pm in Theatre 2 at the Media Factory and will be followed by a Q&A with Andrew and Margaret.

Tickets are available for £5 from Preston Visitor Information Centre by phoning 01772 253731.