ASTLEY violin virtuoso Andy Long has sent out a last minute SOS for an authentic teddy boy drape jacket.

The classically trained maestro hopes to dazzle concert-goers by stepping out in his blue, blue, blue suede shoes on Sunday.

However he needs a 50's coat to match the brothel creepers for his orchestra's sparkling new show.

Leader of some of the country's top orchestras, Andy and his Amethyst Light Orchestra are back at the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse by public demand with their latest production "Glamorous Nights".

The 33-years-old star, who taught with the world's most famous violinist Yehudi Menhuin, is ideally seeking purple drapes with a leopardskin collar and pockets -- size 46 chest -- and a matching pair of size 10 leopardskin shoes, to harmonize with the musicians' amethyst-coloured jackets.

He said: "I've managed to find some blue suede shoes in Manchester, but if anyone can loan me a purple outfit or run me up some drapes in time for Sunday I'd be delighted."

From October to January each year Andy has his serious music head on leading the Mozart Festival Orchestra and the Strauss Gala Orchestra, among others, but then finds time to turn to lighter entertainment.

He has an eclectic taste in music ranging from Vivaldi to Elvis Presley, and wants to take music out of the city and into small towns.

Two years ago he formed the Amethyst Light Orchestra from top class musicians who play with major symphony and chamber orchestras worldwide. Members have performed with Shirley Bassey, Johnny Matthis, Tom Jones, Lisa Stansfield and the Moody Blues and Andy's cellist wife, Zoe, has backed Madonna.

A couple of week's ago some of the orchestra members played at the Three Towns Operatic Society's production of Iolanthe at Lowton Civic Hall, and Andy is grateful that they were allowed to advertise their next big performance there.

He said: 'We'd love to take our shows into the smaller towns, but we need 4-500 seat theatres.

"The real jubilee celebrations will start in the north on September 15 when Amethyst are back at the Garrick for a big proms party complete with hats, scarves and flags. We hope bus companies will bring parties of Leigh music fans to see us."

Anyone who can help Andy with a drape jacket or beetle crushers can contact him on 01942 892 907.

Tickets for Sunday's show can be booked at the Garrick box office on 0161 928 1677 or purchased at the door.