Paranormal enthusiast Richard D Hall will stage a show featuring footage of flying saucers and video interviews with witnesses said to have had close encounters with visitors from other planets.

He said he is holding the presentation, his first in Hartlepool, to spread the word about UFOs he believes are being covered up by the American and UK governments.

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Richard, 41, who writes a weekly UFO column in the Mail, said: "The aim of the show is about trying to convince people by presenting the most compelling evidence there is. I don't believe the mainstream national media report these subjects fully, especially information from witnesses and I am trying to redress the balance.

"I believe the presentation will convince all but the most ardent of sceptics."

Richard added the presentation will explain how UFOs fly and include a video claiming to show an alien said to have been smuggled out of a secret US base in the mid 1990s.

He will also hold a question and answer session with the audience.

Last year the qualified electrical engineer and IT consultant, from Sunnyside, near Gateshead, launched the website richplanet.net to increase public awareness.

He has also appeared on a number of radio shows all over the UK and recorded a six-part TV series screened on Sky channel Edge Media TV.
"The more digging you do the more believable the whole thing becomes," he added.

Aliens and UFOs takes place at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, Raby Road, on Wednesday, December 17, at 7.30pm.

Tickets, priced £8 adults and £7 concessions, are available from Hartlepool Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, or call the box office on (01429) 890000.