IT'S not every day you get the chance to perform songs by your idol to a mass of appreciative fans, let alone meet the musician himself.

But that is exactly what has happened to Lonnie Donegan fan Paul Leegan, who has been touring the country for more than 30 years playing the late skiffle legend's hits.

The former Land Rover employee started singing Lonnie's 1950s songs by himself at venues across the country.

But it was while Paul was performing at the Lakeside Club in Frimley Green, Surrey about four years ago that he met the great man himself - and was given the official seal of approval to continue his tribute act.

Paul had been playing as part of a show called 'Rocking at the Two Eyes' and Lonnie was in the audience, so he approached him to ask if he would allow him to do a tribute.

"It was wonderful - he's been my idol since I was about 10 years old and to have him sitting in the audience while I was on stage being him was a very strange happening," he said.

"He said afterwards to people in the audience that it was like looking in the mirror."

Since then, Paul became good friends with Lonnie and formed a tribute band together with bassist Barry Meek, drummer Harry Heppingstall and guitarist Warren James - touring the country with them.

Each of their shows has seen them receive a standing ovation from appreciative audiences.

And Paul was even invited by Lonnie to what would turn out to be the musician's last ever gig in Nottingham in November 2002 as he died three days later of a heart attack.

Lonnie nearly didn't play the gig as he was too ill, and Paul was waiting on the sidelines ready to step in - but didn't have to in the end.

"He came off to a thunderous ovation and said 'Paul, I know I didn't have to use you but thank you so much for being here' and I started welling up because this was my idol talking like this," he said.

Now the band are set to turn a few heads in Worcester when they play the city's Huntingdon Hall at 8pm on Saturday, February 12 - with guest keyboardist Rob Peaple also joining them on stage.

Audiences can expect all the greats - from Rock Island Line and Cumberland Gap to Battle of New Orleans and My Old Man's a Dustman.

It will be a taster for their forthcoming gig on the main stage at the Upton-upon-Severn Jazz Festival - which they have played for the past two years, receiving a rapturous response on each occasion.

Paul said he was delighted to be able to make a career out of entertaining audiences as his idol.

"I can't put it in words exactly how I feel - to be able to do something which you love and enjoy. It feels as though each day is the best day of my life," he said.

Tickets for the concert are priced £11 (concessions £10) and are available by calling the box office on 01905 611427.