THIS year marks the 31st anniversary of one of Lancashire's best loved comedy folk groups.

And Fivepenny Piece are set for a triumphant return to their home county next week when they play a one-off concert at Burnley's Mechanics Theatre in aid of the NSPCC next week.

The band have had two BBC2 TV series and have appeared regularly on shows like That's Life, Pebble Mill, the Ken Dodd and Val Doonican shows.

They have recorded 15 albums with EMI during their 31 years and a further two with Phonogram Records and they have attained two silver discs for album sales.

Their live shows have been a hit all over the country and they have performed at world-famous venues, including London's Albert Hall and the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. Although the line-up of the band has changed over the years, their blend of Lancashire folk music and humour have stood the test of time.

Founder member Eddie Crottie is the only original Fivepenny left in the band but it is his anecdotes on stage that have kept them going for more than three decades.

Andrea Mullins joined in 1983 as the female vocalist after a successful career with her own band The Cravelles.

She has appeared on many TV shows, including Top of the Pops and Ready Steady Go. Her songs Baby To Cry and Gonna Get Along Without You Now were both worldwide hits.

Alan Taylor joined the group in 1997 and has added a fresh dimension to the music with his fiddle, mandolin and guitar. John Eatock also joined in 1997 and is a well known character from clubs across the North West, having led successful folk band The Turnpikes.

Norman Prince, former Houghton Weavers frontman and Radio Lancashire presenter, has been with the band on most of their concerts over the last three years and Paul Johnson is the latest additionto the group and has brought with him a vast knowledge of English folk music.

Singer Andrea said returning to the North West was always something the band looked forward to.

She added: "It will be great to be back in Lancashire where we have our roots and where we have so many loyal fans.

"We can't wait to perform in Burnley and hopefully in front of a large crowd. The mix of traditional Lancashire folk music and humour will go down well with the audience and, of course, it's all in aid of a good cause."

The concert has been organised by NSPCC fundraiser Jackie Devlin who said: "All the money raised will go to helping children in the Burnley and Pendle area so it is a very good cause and we are looking forward to a good night."

Tickets for the show at the Burnley Mechanics on Tuesday are £10 including a glass of wine. For tickets call the box office on 01282 664400.