MORE than 20 years after he swapped his desk for a microphone, music star, Mike Sanchez, is going back to school to raise cash for Kemp Hospice and Bewdley In Bloom.

The charismatic entertainer is performing at Bewdley High School on Saturday, with his four-piece band, The Portions, and Diane Magee, who helped to organise the event, said she could not wait.

She described Mike as "inspirational to watch" - particularly for aspiring young musicians - and said the audience was expected to range in age from to 12 to 76.

"Mike was a pupil at Bewdley High so he's all excited about going back there to do a concert and that's why he agreed to it," she said.

"Of course, Bewdley in Bloom is fabulous during June and July because everyone really mucks in and makes such an effort. The gardens are absolutely fantastic."

The administration manager at Stourport High School added: "Mike gives 110 per cent and it's a very exciting show.

"The schools in Wyre Forest are all doing really well in terms of music and performing arts and they have a great reputation for their productions."

In a rare interview with the Shuttle/Times and News, last month, the former frontman of The Big Town Playboys and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings said he started to take an interest in music when he began failing exams at Bewdley High School.

He has since performed at some of the most prestigious music venues in the world, such as The Royal Albert Hall and Abbey Road recording studio.

The singer, pianist and guitarist added his biggest achievement was being able to enjoy what he did for a living and he hoped to keep on rocking in his old age.

"I play a form of live music that fits into all kinds of festivals so people who like live music like me," he said.

Tickets for the concert at Bewdley High School, which starts at 8pm, are available from Bewdley Books and the Kemp Hospice shop and Yarn in Bewdley.

They can also be obtained by calling 01299 405188 and asking for June Morgan.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

More information on Mike Sanchez is available online at www.mikesanchez.com