IT WAS the summer of 2005 and The Old Rope String Band were on a high, all set to play a festival in the rainforests of Malaysia as well as a slot at the Worcester Festival.

However, disaster struck in June last year, when the trio's fiddle player Joe Scurfield was killed in a drnk-drive accident in Newcastle.

The death of the talented musician - who was also a tap dancer and fire-eater in the group - rocked the band.

Eventually, Pete Challoner, who plays fiddle, banjo, theremin and musical saw and fellow band member Tim Dalling, on accordion, overcame the tragedy and last September to form the New Rope String Band in memory of their dear friend.

Recruiting Cajun and old-time fiddler Jock Tyldesley and multi-talented instrumentalist Vera Van Heeringen, they played their first show under the new line-up last Christmas at a Dance For Peace and Solidarity event in which Joe had been involved.

Pete said: "Joe's death was devastating in every sense. We had a website full of people telling us not to stop and we didn't and I'm glad because it's really working."

Since their Christmas show the folk/cabaret/comedy group - who describe their act as 'physical theatre meets conflict/resolution comedy' have been wowing audiences at venues across the country.

The band is playing Worcester's Huntingdon Hall at 8pm tomorrow night as part of the Worcester Festival. The audience should expect the unexpected as the group puts on an eye-catching show involving strange instruments, surreal wit, physical gags, and acrobatics.