SURVIVING members of a North-East cabaret troupe are celebrating half -a-century of entertaining audiences.

Members of Sherburn Village Jolly Boys met up on Saturday to reflect on 50 years of charity variety shows.

The group, which met at Sherburn Village Community Centre, has raised more than £200,000 over the decades.

Founding member and group secretary George Jopling, 75, of Parkhouse Gardens, Sherburn Village, said: “It has meant a great deal to me. It has been a big part of my life.

“There were up to 60 Jolly Boys when we started, but they have dwindled to 14 now as they have all died off. Nothing like this will ever be done again.”

The group was set up on Armistice Day, 1964, by Mr Jopling, his brother Gordon, who was chairman, and their friend Alan Kell, who was treasurer.

The idea was to entertain people in the village and raise money to help good causes.

Over the years money has been donated to support Mencap, local church funds and the Salvation Army.

Mr Jopling, a retired miner and council storeman, said: “There were other clubs and we would visit them and they would come back the next week and visit us.

“It was like a concert party to entertain people in the village.

“We have had good support over the years. We are always doing something for charity. We did break up once, for six weeks, but the church came to us and said they needed some money to mend the roof and that is how we got back started again.”

The group’s 50th anniversary show takes place on Tuesday (November 11) at 7.30pm, at Sherburn Village Working Men’s Club.

Guests artists include singers Trevor Cooper and Liz McGowan as well as magician Damien Smith with comedy, song and dance routines and a raffle. Entry costs £2 on the door and there will be a buffet.

Mr Jopling said: “It was started on Amistice Day and that is why we have got it on the 11th this time. People should come along and see for themselves. They will thoroughly enjoy it.”