LIKE a bat out of hell, a leather-clad Meatloaf tribute band will be storming the stage for a charity event hosted and compered by entertainer Tony Slater.

Dean Talkington will be riding his Harley on stage at the Grasshoppers Rugby Club on Lightfoot Lane, to perform Meatloaf's classic rock ballads straight from his award-winning show in Las Vegas.

The evening will feature rock anthems, motorbike stunts and a full light show with an auction and raffles to raise funds for two worthy causes.

Dean, 40, started his career as part of a comedy duo, as an impersonator.

He said: "I'm one of those people who can mimic anybody."

Going solo, he took on the role of Elton John and got used to putting on his wacky specs and big boots.

Dean, from Euxton, near Preston, said: "I put on a bit of weight and decided to go for a change so I became Meatloaf and my wife, Maz, duets with me."

A massive backdrop of the album sleeve Bat out of Hell adds even more atmosphere to the performance.

Dean is so much like Meatloaf, he was once stopped at a motorway service station by the real performer's band.

He said: "We were on tour and we had pulled up for some petrol. Our van has Meatloaf on the side and at the same service station there was this massive tour bus with all these Americans milling about.

"Some of them came up to us and asked for our picture. It was unbelievable but they were Meatloaf's band. He was on tour at the same time."

Velvet-voiced singer Tony Slater has organised the event in aid of Cancer Research UK and Fulwood and Cadley Primary School. He will also be performing.

Tony said: "Dean is really amazing. He is one of the best tribute acts I've seen. He needs so much space with the bike and everything. It's an epic performance."

The cabaret and disco evening will be on Saturday, February 8, from 7.45pm until midnight.