YEE-HAH! By Lesley Richards THE Welcome Country Music Club has become a legend in its own lifetime.

The Leigh-based club, launched at The Greyhound Hotel in 1976 by twins Pat Hayes and Monica Lomas, celebrates its milestone silver jubilee this week.

Tonight, Pat's happy band of pilgrims will celebrate with an anniversary show, featuring a six-piece band, on tour from California, The Boomer McLennon Band.

And she's calling for more support from Leigh fans.

Pat, of Bold Street, Leigh, who recently retired as chief cashier at Leigh Town Hall, said: "The Welcome has hardly changed in the quarter of a century, we're still purely a listening club.

"It has become a way of life for many people who have formed new friendships, and we have even witnessed a few marriages.

"It's a brilliant little club, but we could do with a better turnout from Leigh people.

"Fans come from Liverpool, Manchester and Blackburn, but we'd love more local people to become involved."

Before moving to its present home at Leigh Harriers, the club had four previous venues, and can boast guest appearances by some of the greatest names on the country music scene, including Charlie Landsborough, before his meteoric rise to fame, and the legendary Raymond Froggatt.

Pat said: "The organisation of the many fund-raising jumble, car boot and annual bedding plant sales has served not only to finance the club through some very difficult times, but have also nurtured a great fraternity of friends and acquaintances, for whom the Welcome has become such an important part of so many people's lives.

"We recall with joy the annual pilgrimages made to the three-day Easter Country Music Festivals at Wembley over the years, and we intend carrying on the organised trips."

Admission to tonight's event is £8.50, and plans are under way for a celebration dinner on Friday, August 24, featuring the Graham Broughton Trio.

Further details are available from Pat on 01942 677961.