OLD and young rockers from Wyre Forest to New Zealand enjoyed a trip down memory lane when the music book Get Your Kicks On The A456 was launched with an all-star gig at Kidderminster Town Hall.

The 150-year-old building that put itself on the musical map by hosting concerts by the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Who was packed to the rafters for the event last Saturday.

Proud promoter-turned author, John Combe, who battled adversity to complete his labour of love after being struck by a mystery virus that attacked his spine halfway through writing it, said he was pleased the gig had generated £1,188 for the Spinal Research charity.

He added he had received some "really positive" feedback on his book, which provides an insight into Kidderminster's music scene between 1956 and 1972.

Mr Combe described the gig, which kicked off with a set by 1950s band, the Clippers, and featured music by acts including The Indigo Set and John Bryant and Paul Smith of The Stubble Brothers, as "fantastic".

He said Mike Sanchez put on a great show at the end with a band going by the name of The Kidderminster All Stars.

"It was nostalgic for a lot of people who were coming up to me, shaking my hand and saying someone should have done it years ago," he explained.

"We had a great mix of ages but the mature people were particularly happy because it took them back to their wild, misbegotten years."

Get Your Kicks On The A456 should be on sale at Bewdley Books in the coming days and can also be obtained by calling Mr Combe on 01562 822358 who will be signing copies at W.H. Smith in Kidderminster on Saturday, June 4.