Band drums up a mountain of Christmas cheer

A guitar-strumming bobby from Saddleworth and his army of talented musicians will be spreading festive cheer through the magic of music.

John Frankell, from Greenfield, is staging a series of shows with his uplifting 12-piece blues band the Billy Coxon Seven.

The gigs are free, but people are asked to bring along a wrapped present for a youngster — and John is already set to break his gift record.

The 45-year-old Greater Manchester Police officer said: “We started doing this in 2007 for the Salvation Army, who are inundated with requests from local authorities and charities for presents.

“The most presents we’ve ever got is around 800, but this year we’ve done one gig so far and we already have 300. I didn’t think people would take the concept to their hearts so soon.”

Gig-goers are encouraged to bring a wrapped present, marked for either a boy or girl and with an indication of the age range it is intended for.

Now the caring musicians are aiming at doubling their record and donating more than 1,600 presents.

Their main gig is at Dobcross Band Club on Saturday, with a full night of music kicking off at 7.30pm.

Next is the White Lion in Delph on December 22, followed by New Year’s Day at the Railway, Greenfield from 4pm.