A legendary folk singer credited with writing the anthem of the women's movement is to perform in Oxford.

Peggy Seeger, an American protest singer and political activist best known for her 1979 feminist song Gonna Be an Engineer and for The Ballad of Springhill, is to perform at a benefit gig for Ruskin College next Thursday.

The college in Walton Street holds Ms Seeger's musical archive, including the work of much of her partner and fellow singer Ewan MacColl. She is also known for a series of documentaries for the BBC called The Radio Ballads.

The singer, who plays guitar, banjo, Appalachian dulcimer, autoharp and concertina, said she was looking forward to returning to the college after 10 years.

She said she had a deep affection for the college, its history and for the staff who look after the archive.

She said: "When Ewan died in 1989, I deposited 60 boxes of records, letters, probably bills, everything, with the college - it was such a tragic time. I call them my Ruskin Angels."

Ruskin principal Prof Audrey Mullender said: "Peggy's message is so in tune with Ruskin College's values and ideals. She sings about justice and equality, so she has a lot to say to our troubled world."

Ms Seeger has made 21 solo recordings and has participated in more than a hundred recordings with other artists.

She lived in England for 35 years but returned to the USA in 1994 and lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Maeve Bayton will support Ms Seeger at the concert at the Rover Sports and Social Club, in Roman Way, off Horspath Road, Cowley. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £13 and £11 for concessions.

To book contact Orlagh Muldoon on 01865 517812 or email omuldoon@ruskin.ac.uk