SIXTIES soul legend Geno Washington will front the first of a number of celebrity gigs at Dauntsey's School Memorial Hall on Saturday that will raise money for a new pavilion for Bishops Cannings Cricket Club.

The gig takes place on Saturday, and some tickets are still available for the 61-year-old maestro's Gig in the Country.

The club has just arranged a 25-year lease on its ground at Spaniels Bridge in Coate, near Devizes, and is now anxious to upgrade its facilities. The cost of the new pavilion could be as much as £80,000.

Mr Washington first came to Britain in the 1960s when his first albums were only outsold by the soundtrack of the Sound of Music and Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water.

He fell in love with the country when he first set eyes on it when he came over as a member of the US Air Force. He returned briefly to the United States and promptly gave up showbiz, moving into hypnosis and meditation.

But he heard that a tribute band called Geno was doing good business in the UK covering all his hits.

He immediately returned to Britain, picked up where he had left off and has lived here ever since, although he does return to the United States on regular occasions to perform in high-profile venues across the country.

He is still recording as well. His new album, which is still unnamed, is due for release in the next couple of months.

His tour manager, Reg Pippet, said: "Geno loves performing live and he is looking forward to the gig at West Lavington. It is not the first time he has come to the countryside to perform. He will play virtually anywhere he is booked.

"He will be playing some of the numbers from the 1960s but he has moved on and will be performing songs from throughout his career. He just keeps getting better and better."

Tickets are on sale at Devizes Books or from Mr Davies on (01380) 860305.