Pop star Mike Craft has promised to help save Wilsden village hall by appearing as the star attraction at a forthcoming cabaret event.

The 40-year-old lead singer with cult group Smokie agreed to help after Bradford Council withdrew much of its financial support.

The hall's management committee decided to go it alone and set about creating a series of fundraising events with the emphasis on fun.

Mike, who lives at Prune Park, Wilsden, said: "I used to rehearse there and obviously it has very fond memories for me. We used to play and sing and more recently I've done some work with a drama club there.

"I expect I will get up and do a couple of songs at the event in September. If I can contribute to the evening and keep the whole thing rolling then I will.

"If it saves the community hall then every effort should be made."

Hall warden Jeff Moor, who is helping mastermind the bid to raise £15,000 towards running costs, said: "As well as Mike we're hoping to have comedian Sammy King. I don't think we'll have any trouble selling tickets. For the last dance we made £500 and had a waiting list.

"These tickets for the cabaret on September 25 will cost £12.50 and I'm expecting 120 to come. I'm confident we can get that." Other events include selling raffle tickets for a £200 trolley dash at Morrisons before Christmas, an auction on September 15, Wilsden Gala on July 3, and the start of a newsletter published every three months due out in the middle of March publicising everything that's being done. He added: "I would think that altogether we need to raise £15,000. We have got a quite upbeat feeling and are going to revive the village walk, a sponsored walk round Wilsden's boundaries.

"It will be over 20 years since the last one and will be a good family day out on May 3. If anyone else can help with the fundraising we would be delighted to know - though the emphasis has to be on fun!

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