STOURBRIDGE blues and roots star Ian Parker will be taking to the stage at a charity gig in Stourbridge this weekend.

Ian will be playing with his band at The Base recording studios, off Rufford Road, Stourbridge, on Saturday May 21 - in an event in aid of Abooku, a charity which is working to develop literacy in The Gambia.

The 39-year-old singer/songwriter will be playing blues, soul and rock covers at the event which had been due to take place in Bromsgrove ahead of a last-minute change of venue.

Ian said: "I'm really honoured to be involved with Abooku through this gig. I think the work they're doing is really valuable and has the potential to make a long-term difference to the lives of children in The Gambia.

"I'm also really looking forward to playing in Stourbridge again. I rehearsed a set of well-known blues, soul and rock material with the band last weekend and we're really excited about it. It's been a while since I've played some of those old songs which inspired me so much when I was growing up."

All proceeds from the event will go to the charity.

Tickets cost £10 and are available on 01384 356077.

To find out more about the charity check out www.abooku4.co.uk