NELSON is to play host to some of the biggest names in folk next Friday at a special charity gig.

Ken Nicol, lead guitarist and vocalist with Steeleye Span, the band's bassist Rick Kemp, Joe Broughton of the Albion Band, plus well known musicians Pete Abbott and Andrew Keeling, are teaming up to help raise money for Arthritis Research.

The gig, at the Silverman Hall, has been organised by champion fund-raiser David Lewis, who since retiring from Barclays Bank three years ago has raised over £13,000 for charity.

Tickets for next Friday's gig are available from David on 01282 696041 and are priced at £9. The show starts at 8pm.