SHOPPERS in Clitheroe were treated to some unique festive entertainment on Saturday as the area’s only ukulele group performed for the first time.

The group of ukulele enthusiasts belted out a selection of their repertoire during the town’s Christmas market extravaganza.

After receiving applause from delighted shoppers, the group then went along to The Grand where members entertained guests at the Fair Trade event.

The group formed following a successful ukulele workshop organised by music group Valley Gigs, which ran during the jazz festival in May.

It was so well-attended that organisers Pete Monk and John Parkinson decided to set up a regular ukulele club in September.

They now have 22 members and play a range of music from pop to golden oldies.

The instrument, which has seen a revival in recent years, had been popular up to the 1960s.

Lancashire comedian George Formby is regarded as being responsible for making the instrument well-known.

Organiser Pete Monk said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest and the support in the group.

“I have been a fan of the ukulele but had never played before the workshops.

“The instrument has become very popular again in recent years, with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain getting more people interested in it.

“Saturday was our first performance. We were thrilled how were received. We played 10 songs, including some Christmas carols, and a few members sang too.”

As well as their performance, the Christmas market extra- vaganza featured a hog roast, hot chestnut stall, mulled wine, cake raffle and music from the Phil Knight Experience.

The ukulele group meets fortnightly on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the New Inn, Parson Lane, Clitheroe. New members are always welcome.