THE STRAWBS return to Worcester next week as part of their annual tour.

And the folk-rock camp is buzzing with talk of a possible reunion between guitarist Dave Cousins and Rick Wakeman.

Wakeman enjoyed a brief spell with the Strawbs on their 1970 album, Dragonfly, before he left to join Yes a year later.

Since then, the two musicians have remained in touch and played together occasionally, but an album would be their first work in 30 years.

Cousins said he and Wakeman had discussed putting an album together, though nothing was finalised.

We have been talking about making a record together again, he said before the band's new tour began.

It is just a question of finding the time. He's in South America touring at the moment. We'll just have to nail his foot to the floor or the piano stool and work the songs through!"

The Strawbs' new tour promises a mix of old classics like Lay Down and Part Of The Union as well as new material.

Although the band toured the USA when they first shot to fame, Cousins has ruled out any trips abroad.

The last time we worked in America, we spent five years touring and working, he said.

We had spent all that time away during our most productive period and suffered as a result.

One minute we had a number two single and the next minute we had split up.

I think to attempt a tour of America would be too difficult, especially the costs of laying it on.

The Strawbs play Huntingdon Hall on Thursday, April 19. Call the box office on 01905 611427.