MEMBERS of a Redditch band who got together again after more than 30 years apart have raised almost £6,000 for charity in the last two years.

Shifting Sands will be playing again on Saturday, October 18, to raise money for Redditch charity Home-Start, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The band reformed after a radio appeal from bass player Pip Collett, who wanted the group to play a charity gig in memory of his son, who died from leukaemia.

That night marked the start of a fund-raising crusade for the band who last year raised more than £1,000 for Home-Start, which supports families with children under five through times of stress and difficulties.

Drummer Cyril Thompson said: "The band is quite unique in that unlike tribute bands, the music we play is a cross section of all artistes and sounds that were around during those tremendous times that transformed popular music."

He added: "We are now very keen to get more bookings so we can help more charities. We only sometimes ask for expenses but usually we play for nothing so we can raise as much money as possible."

The band's next gig will be at Lodge Park Social Club and tickets can be bought from Home-Start on 62819.

For more details about Shifting Sands, call Mr Thompson on 68050.