KIND-HEARTED members of East Lancashire Organ Society gave a visiting player an extra warm welcome during a performance.

The group handed over a cheque for £100 after Leicester organist Nicholas Martin performed at their monthly concert at the Canberra Club at Samlesbury Airfield.

At the interval, Nicholas revealed medical tests had recently shown that both his sons have autism. He told the group how he was in the process of setting up a fund for James, six, and Joshua, four, and said he had brought a collection box to put in the hall in case anyone wanted to make a donation.

A club spokesman said: "Society chairman Harold Eckersley was touched by the announcement and immediately sought out president Jack Saul, treasurer Nick Jackson and compare Dennis Widdup.

"When Dennis called the organist to make his final bow he presented him with a cheque on behalf of the society for £100."

Mr Eckersley said: "He was absolutely gobsmacked. He just didn't know what to say. We just wanted to show our appreciation."