EDDIE PEACOCK was so good on the piano he could play it with one hand.

So he was determined that a stroke which rendered his right arm useless 11 years ago would not prevent him enjoying the instrument he loves.

Today, Eddie, 57, was due to show off his skill, claiming his presence is a triumph over adversity and raising money for a worthwhile cause to boot.

Eddie, who grew up in Blackburn before moving to the Fylde coast and settling down in Thornton Cleveleys, thought his musical career had come to an end when he suffered the stroke 11 years ago.

Eddie, a member of the Blackburn Rovers Supporters' Club committee, said: "I never thought I would play again but then someone suggested to me that I should try playing with just my one hand. I tried it and I enjoyed it but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't get my right hand to join in. It is the most devastating feeling I have ever had."

That has not stopped Eddie pressing on, becoming a music teacher and, today, proving in front of hundreds of shoppers that, while many hands may make light work, just the one will do. Eddie embarked on marathon piano-playing session at the entrance to Asda's store in Grimshaw Park, Blackburn, to raise money for Blackburn Rovers' Disabled Supporters Club.

He intends to play as many of the tunes he used to play with the country's top acts as he can throughout the day.

Eddie, who has linked up with Freddie Starr and Gene Pitney in the past, added: "When I say I am playing with one hand people for some reason think I mean just one finger. You really can't tell the difference but for me, it will be an achievement. When I had the stroke it felt like my world had crashed around me. But slowly, I have started playing again and I hope people will appreciate my efforts today."

Eddie says he was inspired by Blackburn Rovers. In many ways, he says, his return to musical grace mirrored Rovers' rise to the Premiership.

He said: "I thought I would never get to a match again. It was about three years after my illness before I got to Ewood under my own steam. It was such a memorable day. They won 5-2, Kenny Dalglish was unveiled as new manager . I knew things would get better." Eddie added: "I hope to do about eight hours playing but I will be pushing to go all day -- and the store doesn't shut until 10pm. It will be a day I won't forget."