ROCK 'n' roll veteran Freddie "Fingers'' Lee is coming out of retirement to play a one-off gig in his home town for charity.

He will perform at Blackhill Club, Blackhill, Consett, on Friday, next week, to raise money for Macmillan Nurses Cancer Relief.

Freddie, became a professional musician at 15 and is approaching almost 50 years in showbusiness.

After playing skiffle in the country's cinemas he joined the late Screaming Lord Sutch's band The Savages.

He later played in the house band at Hamburg's Star Club where The Beatles cut their teeth in the early 1960s before achieving international stardom.

He went on to play piano with some of the all-time greats of rock 'n' roll including Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Gene Vincent.

Freddie recently retired from touring the UK but still plays in Europe where he is a major attraction on the festival circuit - he sets his hat on fire at the climax of his shows.

Freddie said: "I was born and bred in Blackhill and like many people I am well aware of the unsung work of the Macmillan nurses. I wanted to do something to show my support and helping them to raise money seemed the most appropriate thing.

"Everyone has got right behind the event. Northern Recording have helped organise the show and local entertainers have come forward to offer their services."

Tickets cost £4 in advance or £5 on the door - call (01207) 507310.