THEY sell records for a living but performing is their love — Okehampton residents who have been served over the counter at 'Millennium Music' would be well advised to see Richard and Bernie Appleby giving it some rock and roll at the Conservative Club on March 3.

The couple, who have been running the shop in The Arcade for two years, have travelled the country performing in bands since their schooldays but their talents have not been so well known locally until now!

'A lot of people know us because of the shop but as far as the singing goes most of our work has been away from this area,' said Richard.

'It is a real treat to perform locally and I think we will surprise a few people.'

The Applebys, who are known as 'Mayfair', both sing and play guitar and their talents have secured them numerous contracts on cruise ships with Brittany Ferries and P&O. As part of a five-piece band the couple performed before an audience of 3,000 a night at Butlins in Ayr, Scotland, for two years.

The versatility of the duo means they are as much at home with a pub full of 18-year-olds as a ruby wedding celebration.

'It's a family show and we cover all popular music from 1950s to present day,' added Richard, who lives at Petrockstowe. 'Our performance appeals to people of all ages.'

Mayfair were asked to be involved in the Hospiscare event by staff at the charity's shop in The Arcade.

'We did a private party in the Conservative Club last year and a staff member who attended enjoyed it so much she asked us if we would do a fundraiser,' said Richard. 'With this opportunity to play in Okehampton we hope more work locally will come out of it.'

A special bond was also formed between Richard and Hospiscare when his late mother was ill with cancer. Both she and the family received tremendous help and support from the charity, which cares for people with life-threatening illnesses and has nurses working in the Okehampton area.

'This is a chance for me to give something back to the charity,' he said.

Tickets to see 'Mayfair' on March 3 in the Okehampton Conservative Club are priced at £6.50 and available from The Hospiscare Shop, 5 The Arcade or Millennium Music. The evening starts at 7.30pm and includes a disco.