TWO legends of the 60s music scene returned to the venue where they penned one of their most famous hits whilst starring in panto.

Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett wrote Summer Holiday when The Shadows were performing at The Globe in Stockton in 1962.

Recorded by Cliff Richard and the Shadows, the single was released in February 1963 and topped the UK singles chart for a total of three weeks.

The pair returned to Stockton today take part in BBC Music Day where 47 new Blue Plaques commemorating people or places that have influenced the musical landscape were unveiled across the country.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr Welch said: “We had just been in a film called The Young Ones and this was the follow up film and it was while we were in Stockton in pantomime that we got the script for a new movie about three or four mates who are going through Europe in a London bus and that was the inspiration.”

The Grade II listed Art Deco theatre played host to some of the world’s most famous music acts including Buddy Holly, The Platters, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Cilla Black, The Beatles, Chuck Berry before closing its doors in 1997.

Currently undergoing restoration work overseen by English Heritage, the theatre is being restored to its former glory and will reopen at a later date as a major venue for music, comedy and other live events.

Mike Read, chairman of the British Plaque Trust said: “A blue plaque is a recognised symbol of our national heritage, a visible milestone in our history which serves as a permanent reminder of who we are, where we’ve been and what we’ve achieved.”