THE CIVIC head of a council will be belting out popular ballads at an event for good causes.

Eden District Council’s chairman, councillor Andrew Connell, will singing a string of golden oldies for his two nominated charity’s.

He’ll be performing the ditties during a coffee morning in the Council Chamber at Penrith Town Hall and Mansion House.

The event will be held on Friday, March 20, between 10am and 3pm.

Andrew has been keen performer for twenty years at care homes, private parties, Women’s Institutes and other places.

Andrew said: “I have a repertoire of about 900 songs that encompasses old favourites from the 1940s through to the 1970s.

“Some I perform routinely, others on request.

“I was delighted, the other day, when a resident of a Penrith retirement home asked if I could sing a Helen Shapiro song.

“I Certainly could, I’ve got 80 numbers from 1961 alone.”

In their charitable role, the council chairman traditionally host dinners, auctions - they've even been known to abseil down tall buildings for good causes.

However Andrew feels more at home singing and has decided to put his years of performing to good use in support of the Kendal based Oaklea Trust, which helps older, younger people, and people a range of disabilities.

He's also raising money for emergency responder the Great North Air Ambulance.

He also hopes the event will provide an opportunity for people to engage with Eden District Council socially, rather than on a business level.

He added: “Hopefully people will drop in for a coffee and to hear some of their favourite songs performed live in the wonderful surroundings of the Town Hall’s Victorian Council chamber.

“They can sing along and dance, if they feel like it.

“They’ll also be able to request songs, while helping to support two wonderful local charities.”

Entrance to the coffee morning is free, though there will be a charge for teas and coffees.

Donations are welcome and all proceeds will be divided between the two charities.