Two fans of folk have formed a new organisation aimed at bringing live music to the masses.

Leyland friends, Ken Linford, of Wyresdale Drive, and Jim Minall, of Victoria Park Avenue, first tried their hand as concert promoters when they brought folk artists Maddy Prior and the Girls to Preston's Guild Hall, in April, this year.

The evening saw bumper crowds and the music duo decided to launch Friends of Folk on the back of the concert's success to promote more folk and traditional music gigs.

To date, three concerts have already been planned, with the first being the internationally acclaimed musician and singer/songwriter, Ken Nicol, of the Albion Band and Steeleye Span fame, taking place on Friday, November, 11, at Worden Arts and Crafts Centre, Leyland.

As well as being the launch concert for Friends of Folk the evening will also coincide with the release of the musician's new CD, Thirteen Reasons.

"People often view folk and traditional music as something boring and not for them," said Jim, a facilities manager at Cardinal Newman College, Preston.

"But it's not people singing sorrowful songs with one hand over their ear all the time.

"It is exciting, vibrant and varied, very often including recently written music and songs.

"Indeed, on his new CD, Ken Nicol has a track extolling the virtues of converting his car to LPG!"

Money made from Ken and Jim's not-for-profit organisation will go to charity.

But, they claim, their 'labour of love' would struggle to get off the ground without the help of local sponsors such as Leyland dental surgeon, Roger Hughlock, who is sponsoring the Ken Nicol concert.

"Sponsorship gives businesses an enhanced local profile and helps ensure the events are financially viable," said Ken, a landscape gardening contractor.

Other Friends of Folk concerts in the pipeline include Carols and Capers, in December, with Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band, at Preston's Guild Hall, and singer and musician, Abbie Lathe, whose launch CD, Avebury, was received with critical acclaim, at Worden Arts and Crafts Centre, in March, next year.

For tickets and details of all the concerts, or to sponsor them, log onto www.friendsoffolk.org.uk or call 01772 422416.