MEMBERS of 60s beat group Dave and the Druids are getting back together for a special one-off charity gig.

The Westbury band, which has not played together since 1963, began by playing small village halls but soon packed out venues like the Colston Hall in Bristol.

Three of the original members are joining members of Blackhearts, another local band from the era, for the gig tomorrow night in the Paragon Hall, Westbury.

Dave Scull, who played bass guitar in the original band, said although he is looking forward to the gig he is a little nervous.

Mr Scull said: "After not playing for 40 years we have to do lots of practising for this gig, but it will come together on the night, I'm sure.

"The concert is already sold out so we have raised a lot of money already which is the main thing.

"I don't know whether we will do more gigs after this, we will have to see how it goes."

Proceeds from the concert will go to CLIC and the Meningitis Trust.

The band broke up in 1963, chiefly because they were so successful and couldn't cope with playing as a hobby.

At their peak they were travelling the country doing three dates a week.

The band was born in a Westbury church youth club when the members decided to form their own skiffle group.

Within a year they had a manager and were soon being paid a professional rate, while trying to hold down day jobs.

Since the split none of the band members has played together.

John Harding, 59, one of the original members of the band, joined when he was in his late teens.

Mr Harding said the resurgence in 60s music prompted them to give a concert a try after all these years.

He said: "It's a bit like being a boxer, you always feel the urge to come back for one last fight.

"There was a possibility we could have turned professional if we had stuck at it and we could have gone further.

"But it was lots of fun then and I am really looking forward to coming back and trying it again."