An Ipswich-based rockabilly band has launched a brand new single in support of a local campaign to tackle loneliness among older people.

JS & The Lockerbillies, formed of band leader, vocalist and guitarist Josh Locke, bassist Murray Collins, drummer James Hicks and multi-instrumentalist Rich Webb, performed the song at a charity gig in Ipswich last month.

The ‘Lockerbillies vs Loneliness’ show, held at The Rep pub on March 30, was in aid of Age UK Suffolk – a charity very close to the band leader’s heart.

Mr Locke said: “I have sadly lost all of my wonderful grandparents and I wouldn’t be able to follow a creative career without the support they gave me.

“My nan used to sit me on her lap when I was little and sing me Beatles songs at the piano.

“Age UK Suffolk helps me give some of that support back. It pains me to think that they may have been lonely in their later years.

“I thought that if I could help people like them have a dance to some rock and roll and make some new friends, then maybe I can feel reconnected with my loved ones.”

The song, entitled “Her Lovin”, features alongside other brand new material on the band’s debut album, ‘JS & The Lockerbillies’, due to be released on May 4.

The gig also had a rather special twist – as people of all ages were invited to feature in a promotional video to be released with the song.

The video was shot free-of-charge by local film-makers, editors and producers.

The band say it was designed to help get the message out that music is a great way of connecting, regardless of age.

Jo Reeder, head of fundraising and marketing for Age UK Suffolk, said: “We are delighted that Josh and his bandmates felt that they wanted to support a local charity, and to provide a platform for people of all ages to share stories, memories and most of all, to have fun”.

Age UK Suffolk offers life-changing support and services to vulnerable older people in the county, with services such as information and benefits advice, befriending, and dementia day services.

The new music comes off the back of a stellar 2017, in which the band played more than 120 gigs with their unique brand of rockabilly and blues, including a headlining slot at Ipswich Music Day, a Glastonbury appearance and various festival shows.