Green Party leader Caroline Lucas will be taking a break from her European Parliament work to visit Deal on Friday.

She will be giving a lecture for the environmental group Deal With It, which last year launched its Ban the Bag campaign in the town.

Caro Wilkinson, from the Deal organisation, said: “We are lucky to kick off our 2009 lecture series with a talk by Caroline, which will focus on the economic benefits of green living.

“Entrance is free, but with limited space in the town hall it may be wise to reserve tickets on 01304 365157 or email dealwithittoday@yahoo.co.uk

“Dr Lucas is a distinguished and inspiring speaker on environmental issues.”

Caroline Lucas was first elected to the European Parliament as one of the Green Party’s first MEPs in June 1999 to represent the South East of England region, and re-elected with an increased vote share in 2004.

She is a member of the International Trade Committee and the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee.

She also sits on Parliament’s Temporary Climate Change Committee.

Deal With It is busy planning a series of six talks and workshops on climate change and associated issues over the next year.

The talk by Caroline Lucas is called Costing the Earth? Can you save cash and the environment. It will be at 7pm at Deal Town Hall and refreshments will be served from 6pm when the doors open.

There will also be a talk by Sean Furey from the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Two more Deal With It lectures will be held in April and June; details to be announced.