THE Houghton Weavers celebrate their 30th anniversary this year.

Early in 1975 four friends - Tony Berry, David Littler, Norman Prince and John Oliver - got together to form a folk group and began to practice in David's kitchen.

Their first public performance - as the Westhoughton Weavers - was an audition at Wigan Rugby League Club singing a song called Lowlands Low.

They did not get a booking that night and after amending their name to the Houghton Weavers they decided to form their own folk club at the Duke of York public house in Chorley.

Other local venues followed - Bolton's Last Drop Village, Cassinellis' Motel in Standish, near Wigan and Park Hall at Charnock Richard.

At the beginning of 1976 David's brother Denis joined to add a bass sound to the act and then, shortly afterwards, John Oliver decided to leave.

The Weavers recorded their first album (Howfen Wakes) and seven months later there was a follow-up - Gone Are The Days.

But their big chance came when - without telling the group - David's mother wrote to the BBC in Manchester to ask if they could use the Weavers on any of their television shows.

A BBC producer saw them perform at Sharples High School, Bolton, and it eventually led to the successful Sit Thi Deawn show which ran for six series.

Countless other local and national radio and television appearances have followed, including six series on BBC Radio 2. There have also been further records, and successful shows featuring the Weavers' unique blend of music and comedy.

Denis Littler left the group early in 1984 and was replaced by Jeff Hill who stayed for 13 years. When he moved on Steve Millington took his place.

But Jeff returned when Norman Prince left six years ago to pursue a solo career.

Tony Berry, the popular lead singer, says:"We will carry on entertaining people for as long as they want us to."

They have just released their 25th album - The Houghton Weavers' 30th Anniversary Collection - and they will be recording their first DVD in April with a view to a June release.

The lads will be appearing with the Wingates Band at the Formby Hall, Atherton, on April 8 and at Rivington Barn on June 1 and September 7. They will also be in concert at Greenfields in Westhoughton on May 20.

On Christmas Eve the Weavers will round off their anniversary celebrations with Wingates at the Guild Hall in Preston.