BROADWAY'S Lifford Hall turns into a cabaret club next week when people can enjoy a good night out and help raise money for local good causes at the same time.

John and Tracy Southern are getting together with other family members and friends to stage the special cabaret night to say a big thank you to some caring people who helped them during a difficult time.

Mr Southern explained: "Both my mother-in-law and father-in-law, Les and Mary Southern, died last year from cancer and we had so much help that we wanted to give something back and try to really make a difference."

Les and Mary were regulars at Lifford Hall shows and loved to see all the entertainments there, particularly enjoying watching family members take part in amateur shows.

So the family decided to stage a special show to remember them by and to help local charities at the same time.

John Southern is a part-time singer and performing runs in the family, so they came up with a plan to stage a cabaret evening - and it is now all on track to pack out the Lifford Hall on May 16 and 17.

Mr Southern only discovered he could sing two years ago but since then has gone part time, entertaining in pubs and clubs in his spare time.

He will be treating audiences to a selection of favourites from crooners like Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Ronan Keating and the Eagles.

Tracy Southern will be joining in by staging some dance routines, as will her sisters Lynda and Susan and her niece Angela and some friends.

Local companies have also helped out with covering costs and with the supply of some exciting raffle prizes - including a balloon trip and a meal at a top restaurant.

If the event sells out it will raise thousands of pounds for the Evesham Macmillan cancer unit, while Barn Close Surgery will get bar proceeds and the Campden Nurses will benefit from raffle takings.

"I'm really looking forward to it and I hope it's a big success and a sell-out for the charities," said Mr Southern.

The cabaret evening takes place at 6.45pm at the Lifford Hall, Broadway. Tickets, £8 each, are available from St Patrick's gift shop in Broadway or from Mr Southern on 07747 878673 or 01386 853963.