AN INVERKIP minister is set for global stardom after producing lyrics for a massive international musical.

Thousands of people from all over the world will gather at London’s O2 arena this summer to see ‘Covenant’ — a spectacular show to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Salvation Army.

Keith Banks, who is the chaplain at Glasgow Airport and has been in the Salvation Army for the past 52 years, says it was an honour to pen the lyrics for such a major show.

He is now looking forward to jetting out to Los Angeles for an exclusive sneak preview of the two hour show, which features a cast from southern California.

Keith said: “The Salvation Army is 150 years old in June, so there is a big international congress called ‘Boundless’ at London’s O2 arena, with thousands of people coming from across the world.

“I was invited to write the lyrics for a musical which is one of the features of the congress.

“It’s very exciting as five of the seven shows are already sold out and I’m off to Los Angeles for the premiere.” The show is based on the life of William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, and shows his legacy in action.

Keith added: “It features a selection of true stories throughout the years.

“Some of them are serious and very moving while others are more humourous.

“The point of it is to show salvation around the world.” Keith recently spoke to the Tele about his remarkable life in the Salvation Army — including the terrifying moment when he was stabbed by a gang of masked men while serving on a mercy mission in Papua New Guinea.

‘Covenant’, written by Karl Larsson, and composed and directed by Kevin Larsson, runs from 30 June to 4 July.