A TOWN is gearing up to enjoy what has become a New Year tradition.

When eight men from Chester-le-Street decided to take to the stage with their imitations of rock stars on January 1, 25 years ago, nobody guessed the event would become one of the town's most eagerly-awaited events of the year.

Now it is an unmissable attraction, drawing crowds of at least 2,000 from across the region. Their act, with imitations of bands from the Bee Gees to the Spice Girls, can last up to five hours, or however long the audience wants the group continue singing, and raises thousands of pounds for charity.

Billy Walton, owner of Crocodillos, the venue for the concert, said: "It's just eight blokes, they've all got normal day jobs. The doors open about midday and then they might go and do an act at about 2pm, there's no strict rules. They make most of it up.

"They've been doing this act since they were about 20-years-old."

Mr Walton, who donates a large portion of the bar's takings to the fundraising, said they hope to raise about £10,000 for North-East Children's Cancer Research, which they will present to the charity in the new year.