Honky tonk fun with Chas and Dave

A traditional honky tonk piano is to take centre stage at a knees-up with Cockney performers Chas & Dave tonight.

They are performing at the newly refurbished Regis Banqueting Suite in Old Hill.

They will use the restored piano, salvaged from the bar of Warwick University by a Halesowen businessman. Regis partner Tony Billingham rescued the piano from the university's Students' Union bar 20 years ago after stumbling on the upright while attending a training course.

Since then the jazz musician, of Lapal Lane South, has restored the casing and action of the 1930s London-made Brimsmead. He said: "It's ideal for the Chas & Dave boogie-woogie 'rockney' music. The restoration has been a labour of love. It has a great tone and was initially made for sing-songs at home.

"I heard it played in the university bar and was impressed with the instrument. It was due for the skip during renovations, so I rescued it.

"Chas & Dave are bringing an electric piano to play, but this old girl from the 1930s has fantastic volume and character and will add an authentic resonance to the sing-song night.

"It's been in my house for all this time and has been used occasionally by my nine-year-old grandson. Now, for the first time in donkey's years, it's about to be used properly and do what it was made to do."

Chas & Dave became a household name in the mid-70s and had a string of hits including Gertcha, Rabbit and Ain' No Pleasing You. Concert tickets are available from 01384 569019.