LOFTY the Lion will swap his usual Saturday afternoon performance on the Reebok pitch for an evening one at the Albert Halls this weekend.

The cuddly Bolton Wanderers mascot has his own musical - "Lofty's Musical Showcase" - on Saturday. And the show will raise funds to help him on his hottest charity stunt yet.

Children from Melody Pop Tuition will join other youngsters in a 40-strong cast entertaining with sketches and music from the '60s, '70s and '80s.

Lofty himself will be miming to some of the rock 'n roll favourites he regularly performs for the football faithful on the pitch.

The show, produced by Melissa Pasquill, will raise money for his trek later in the month with other local charity supporters across 56 miles of the Grand Canyon.

This will help the charity MedEquip4kids which buys costly items for hospitals, including equipment for premature babies in the Princess Anne Maternity Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

And the event will allow Lofty to make his entrance into Las Vegas wearing his famous Elvis outfit!

Tickets for "Lofty's Musical Showcase" cost £4, £2 for children and concessions, from the Albert Halls ticket and information centre or at the door on Saturday night.