A BAND has played its final gig – 40 years to the day since it made its debut.

And in doing so Sargeant’s Army raised £322 for our Aspire appeal to save the Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel.

The group was formed back in 1968, based at Central Methodist Youth Club in Great Harwood, which has long since gone.

It went on to play at pubs and clubs as far afield as Colne and Clitheroe, and was a regular at Bullough’s Club in Accrington.

Its musical influences included the Small Faces, the Beatles, Chuck Berry and Status Quo, although many other songs from the era made it into the repertoire.

Sargeant’s Army, led by Bob Sargeant, reformed after many years to play at a reunion in 1999 for the original members of the youth club.

They then decided it would be a good idea to play another gig to raise money for charity.

So began a series of concerts to raise money for various good causes, including the Mayor’s Charity Fund, Derian House Children’s Hospice and the British Heart Foundation.

Last Saturday’s finale was held at the Burnley Road Bowling Club and the group has asked to thank committee, members and guests for the evening’s success.

The original members of the group are keyboard player Bob, 58, of Nutter Road, Accrington, drummer and lead singer Roger Whiteley, of Burnley Road, Accrington, and bass player Mick Bradley who now lives in Garstang. They were joined on the night by Mick’s son Phil Bradley who played lead guitar.

Bob said: "We played originally until around 1972 and then had a 27-year break. I would have liked to carry on but it was starting to become a bit of a chore."