SUPPORTING rhythm and blues giant Georgie Fame is 'the ultimate' as far as The Hard Place Band is concerned.

The Okehampton band, which has covered songs by the 1960s mega-star at gigs in the past, is gearing up for a performance of a lifetime.

Billed as one of the most spectacular events in Okehampton's history, Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames will be appearing in The Sports Hall at Okehampton College at 7pm on July 13 during Okehampton Arts Festival Week.

Singer with The Hard Place Band Adrian Tilley said: 'It is wonderful to be even considering playing alongside him. For the more senior members of the band he is the ultimate.'

The band has supported 80s acts like 'Eddie and the Hot Rods' before but they rate Georgie as in a class of his own.

'He is absolutely top notch,' added Adrian. 'This is the first time Okehampton has had a real specialist star and we are really excited about it.'