BIG band fans are in for a treat when a 20-strong group performs at a Worces-tershire farm in aid of a charity for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Sounds produced by the Crown Phoenix Big Band will be echoing around Top Barn Farm, Holt Heath, near Worcester, as they pull out all the stops at the concert to raise cash for St Richard's Hospice.

The charity, based in Rose Hill, Worcester, is busy raising money for a new hospice in Wildwood Drive, Spetchley.

The new 15-bed facility is expected to cost £5.25m and the hospice still has £400,000 to raise.

Concert event organiser Roger Jones said: "It's going to be a fantastic evening that we expect to go with a swing. It's great music that'll get people on their feet and is an event not to be missed."

The 20-strong band will be entertaining the audience with toe-tapping sounds, including the music of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman, on Saturday, September 3, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Building has started on the hospice, which is expected to open to patients in 2006.

Tickets for the supper dance cost £35 for a two-course meal in a marquee with a dance floor, or people can take their own picnic and dance on the grass for £20 per car.

Tickets available on 01905 763963.