AN impassioned plea has been made for more support to save a Stourport live music club from closure.

The Galleon Acoustic Club at Stourport Boat Club rose out of the ashes of the popular Galleon Folk Club two years ago and has attracted some of the leading artists on the acoustic circuit.

However, its creator Mike Smith has given it just six months to attract more people or close after paying acts out of his own pocket for the last four months.

"People in the area are always going on that they want live music but when we put it on the apathy is ridiculous," the music teacher, who runs Muzos in Kidderminster, said.

"The last four months I've ended up paying out of my own pocket which I can't afford - so we just want people to support it."

He went on: "We don't charge much, but if people don't turn up we'll have to close.

"The other month we had two Australian guys Derrin Nauendorf and David Downing who are major players on the acoustic blues scene, but we had about 30 people turn up.

"They were absolutely brilliant but it was just a pathetic turn-out. I couldn't believe it. We ended up about £200 down."

Mike is now pinning his hopes for the club's resurgence on the return of guitarist Nigel Mazlyn Jones on Sunday, October 12.

"It's the second time we've had him here and he was the first main act we had at the club when it opened up two years ago," he said.

"He also used to play at the Galleon Folk Club in the early 1970s, so that's why we invited him back."

He added of the West Midlands-born artist, who plays acoustic and electric six and 12-string guitars, piano santor and percussion, and has released nine albums: "His combination of natural acoustic guitar sounds and electric textures along with his playing of the Indian santor give him a unique sound.

"He is an unusual and highly original songwriter and guitarist-instrumentalist."

The musician, who has written music for BBC Two's Planet for Sale has also performed visual projection shows at concerts since the release of his third album. And Mike added: "Nigel's planned October performance at our club marks the only show on his current tour where he will be using his sequential projection show and appears to be the last time it will be used in a touring context.

"The show promises to be a great night so if there one show not to miss throughout autumn, it has to be this one."

More information on the club, which meets about once a month, usually on Sunday evenings, can be obtained by calling Mike on 01562 755171 or visiting www.galleonacousticclub.co.uk