LOFTY the Lion rocked the Albert Halls with his own brand of music on Saturday.

Following his role as Lofty the mascot, the cuddly lion went one step further in his quest for charity fundraising and starred in his own musical.

With the help of his young pals from Melody Pop Tuition the 65-strong cast from Lofty's Musical Showcase enterainied more than 400 people with hits from the shows and music from the '50s to today.

"Everyone had a brilliant time," said organiser Jean Pasquill.

The evening was laid on to help raise funds for MedEquip4Kids, which wants to buy life-saving equipment to help premature babies at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Lofty, who fronted his own band in the show, will add to the total later this month by trekking 56 miles across the Grand Canyon in America. And he plans to make a grand entrance to Las Vegas in his Elvis outfit.