DEVOTEES of Wyre Forest singer and songwriting legend Clifford T Ward are expecting an emotional event when they gather for the first regular tribute concert since his death.

Fans will flock to Kidderminster's Gainsborough House Hotel on Sunday, September 29, for their 11th annual concert and memorabilia auction.

But Friends of Clifford T Ward secretary Stephen Bagust knows the day will be emotional as it will be the first not attended by the 1970s star - once dubbed the new Paul McCartney - who died last December from pneumonia following a 17-year battle with debilitating multiple sclerosis.

Mr Bagust, who is stepping down from his role with the fan club after four years for business and family reasons, said: "I know it will be moving.

"His death still affects me now. I used to see Clifford every other Sunday morning and I have missed that."

The 57-year-old father of four was best remembered for his top 10 hit Gaye in the 1970s and his songs have been covered by luminaries Art Garfunkel and Cliff Richard.

He first honed his talent in the Stourport Secondary Modern School choir, where he also met wife Pat, and upon leaving formed Cliff Ward and the Cruisers, who became popular in the Midlands.

After a spell as an English teacher he found success with Gaye and once again focussed on his music career, and was busy recording when he was struck down with MS in 1984.

Nearly 300 turned up at the Gainsborough, in Bewdley Road, for a musical memorial to him in February.

There was also an event in Dublin in May for Clifford's many Irish fans.

And despite his death Mr Bagust says fan club membership is continuing to grow and currently stands at about 200.

This month's event will see Luton-based band School of Thought playing Clifford's music while it is hoped Wolverhampton's James Davey, who has appeared at every concert and convention for the singer in the last decade, will come out of retirement to perform one last time.

Very rare Clifford T Ward memorabilia will also be auctioned - including personal recording equipment on which he taped many of his songs - and is expected to fetch a large sum.

Live recordings of February's memorial concert will also be on sale.

Mr Bagust said he "didn't know what to expect" in terms of a response from fans but reminded them in a newsletter of the events surrounding the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death.

"Clifford T Ward will be remembered by his friends and the concerts and other events will continue as long as there are fans to support his music," he added.

Doors open at noon on September 29, with the concert starting at 1pm.

Tickets can be obtained from Roy Smith at 13 Oakapple Close, Astley Cross, Stourport DY13 OJA or roy@cliffordtward.info.