A FOLK music fan who was fed up with leaving Rossendale to hear his favourite groups has decided to organise an event in the Valley.

Steve McCluskie has enlisted the help of Mick Gribben, landlord at The Crown, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, which is where the event will be staged on October 20 and 21.

Steve said: "I am always travelling out of town to go and watch bands and we have all these pubs in Rossendale so I decided to try to organise an event here and I have got 30 acts who are to be appearing on stage.

"I have got sponsorship from Rossendale Community Chest and local businesses E Sutton and Son, Highgrove Footwear. Lee Mill Furnishings and Jet Chem, who have paid for advertising and the cost of bands."

Admission to the two-day concert will be free but donations will be collected for Rossendale Hospice. Appearing on stage are comedian and poet Hovis Presley from Bolton, performing poet Marvin Cheeseman, poet Quibilah Montsho, Hands in Pockets, a female trio from Wigan and musical poets Graham Holland and Steve Thompson.