IN the dark days of the Second World War, his musical talents were a source of entertainment and encouragement for weary troops.

Now, more than 50 years after the end of the conflict, Charles Robert Young is continuing to perform with his accordion.

The Darlington pensioner has been squeezing out tunes for 67 years and has no intention of giving up.

Mr Young, 81, was called up in 1940 at the age of 18 and served in Greece and North Africa.

The former joiner said: "Whenever we lost anyone in combat and the lads were depressed, they would ask me to play a tune on the squeeze box to raise their spirits."

In peacetime he has performed for elderly people across Darlington.

"These days I really enjoy playing for the old folk," he said.

"They don't get a lot of entertainment and they really appreciate hearing the old favourites.

"They do all the singing, though. I'd clear the room if I opened my mouth."

Mr Young's musical career began at the age of 14, when he was one of a three-man band known as the Bon Accordions.

The band soon expanded and changed its name to Don Sorrento.

The band gave 300 shows during the war and performed at several leading venues.