Middle 8, whose repertoire is predominantly classic pop, has helped to raise thousands of pounds since it was formed four years ago.

Now it is ready to take on other concerts and is inviting any local charitable organisations or people involved in good causes in the area to contact them.

"We provide a varied and extensive repertoire of popular music from the 1950s onwards," said group spokesman Peter Grant.

"We got together in 2004 because we felt there was a niche among the Driffield entertainment groups for this kind of music and we wanted to raise money for local charities.

"We also sing at other functions such as parties and weddings and enjoy singing Christmas music."

All the group's singing is done to professionally produced backing tracks.

Its latest programme includes hits from The Seekers, Buddy Holly, Perry Como, the Righteous Brothers, the Everly Brothers, Neil Diamond and Neil Sedaka.

"We are an enthusiastic group of people who like singing in an informal atmosphere. We are totally democratic, with no chairman or other official positions," said Mr Grant.

"We adapt our programme depending on who we are singing to and are learning new songs all the time."

Middle 8 does not charge a fee for their singing, except to ask for a donation to cover expenses and room hire for practising.

Beneficiaries of concerts by Middle 8, whose members have had extensive experience with other musical organisations, include the Driffield Leader church magazine, Macmillan Nurses, St Dunstan's organisation for blind ex-service men and women, Driffield Stroke Club, Cranswick Gardening Club, Bessingby Hall nursing and residential home in Bridlington, Magic Moments charity based in Grimsby and the NCH.
On Sunday May 11 Middle 8 is singing at Anderson House convalescent home in Bridlington, and on Saturday July 12 it is staging a concert, entitled Walk Right Back – To The Era Of Classic Pop, at Driffield Methodist Church in aid of the church and the Methodist circuit funds. Both concerts start at 7.30pm.

• Any charitable group who would like to engage Middle 8 for a concert can contact Peter Grant on (01377) 257812, or email him at prgrant@


• prgrant.karoo.co.uk