VETERAN rocker Rick Wakeman is teaming up with his clergyman neighbour for the second year running to present a festival to raise money for four local churches.

By David Green

VETERAN rocker Rick Wakeman is teaming up with his clergyman neighbour for the second year running to present a festival to raise money for four local churches.

Mr Wakeman and Rev Trevor Riess, rector of Scole, are organising the Four Churches Festival of music, drama and comedy from May 7 -12.

The star line-up also includes Nicholas Parsons, presenter of Radio 4's Just a Minute programme, and Ian Lavender, an actor who in his younger days played Private Pike in the television series, Dads Army.

Mr Wakeman will be taking part in a Just a Minute session with Nicholas Parsons and joining another veteran musician, Richard Digance, in two performances of music and anecdotes as the festival climax on May 12. These and some of the other events are already sold out.

Mr Wakeman, who moved to Scole in 2005 and immediately struck up a friendship with Mr Riess, his new neighbour, said: “I'm delighted so many people have already bought tickets and will be coming along to one or more of the churches during the week.”

All the profits from the festival, being sponsored by local businesses, will go towards the upkeep of Scole, Billingford, Thorpe Abbotts and Brockdish churches.

Tickets can be obtained from Scole Stores and Post office, by telephoning 01379 668875 or online at fourchurches@btinternet.com