THIS year's joint concert between Houghton Weavers and Flookburgh Band comes with a touch of sadness because of the loss, a few months ago, of the Weavers' charismatic lead singer and vocalist Tony Berry to cancer.

But the blend of comedy and folk music that he championed will live on in spirit as band and folk group join forces in Grange-over-Sands' Victoria Hall on Saturday, October 5 (7pm), to perform some of the songs for which Tony is best remembered.

The popular annual concert will also feature items just by Flookburgh Band, under the baton of John Iveson as well as two sets by the Weavers, who have now added Tony's brother Jim - guitar and harmonica and vocals - to the long serving line-up of multi-instrumentalist and singer David Littler and Steve Millington, the keyboards and bass guitar specialist.

The Weavers have been internationally popular since 1975 and their Lancashire dialect comedy folk show Sit Thi Deawn ran for seven years on BBC television. Some of their best remembered hits include Matchstick Men, Uncle Joe's Mint Balls, The Blackpool Belle and Any Dream Will Do.

Tickets are available from Grange Tourist Information Centre, Cockles shop, Flookburgh, or online at www.flookburghband.co.uk.