Dick Wilson thought he was going out with a couple of friends to a country music concert on Saturday, June 21, but when he arrived at Todmorden Conservative Club dozens of people he had not seen for years surprised him for his 75th birthday.

But Dick was expected to sing for his supper with the surviving members of Nashville Edition, a successful country band he had sung with during the 1970s and 80s.

Barry Couchman, Nashville Edition guitarist and singer who had organised the event, said Dick was lost for words.

"He thought we were going out for a country and western night but got the shock of his life when he saw everyone there. It was a wonderful, wonderful night.

"We haven't played together for over twenty years but it was like we'd only played yesterday: we didn't miss a note all night."

Friends and family had travelled from far and wide, from Norfolk to Southern Ireland, and even further afield for the surprise party. Dick's sons travelled to be with him: Paul Wilson, formerly singer-songwriter of The June Brides, flew over from America to sing a duet with his father and Andrew, came from London for the reunion of family and band members.

Although both Barry and Dick now live in Todmorden they originally hail from the north east, which is where the band was formed. The four surviving members of the seven-strong Nashville Edition played at the party. Mark Bennett, along with Dick, are both from Seaham in County Durham, and Harry Marsh and Barry are from Hartlepool. The band was a huge success playing venues from small pubs to opening at Gateshead stadium and only split up because of family and work commitments.

"We were a north east band but we played all over the country. It wasn't unknown if there were two bands on the set list for the top band to be paid off because we were better," Barry reminisced.

"We played a type of country based on harmony singers. We had the full range of vocals from soprano to Jim Hogg, who sadly passed away, who was a very deep bass.

"Dick used to offer to buy anyone a pint who could name a country song he couldn't sing and play. There weren't many songs he didn't know.

"Due to ill health he can't walk very far so he sits down to sing and he still has a tremendous voice."

Dick was also a professional footballer playing for Glasgow Rangers, as well as Huddersfield Town, Horden, King's Lynn, Gateshead and Blyth Spartans. He served in the army and has been a lorry driver.