SEVENTIES singing sensation The Rubettes featuring Alan Williams are to play a one-off concert in Wilmslow - thanks to some sweet talking by one of their biggest fans.

Sue Quinn, wife of the Summerfield Pub landlord Nick Quinn, devoted her teenage years to running the fan club of the hit pop band.

The 45-year-old was won over by the group's first hit single, Sugar Baby Love, and has been hopelessly devoted to the 'juke box jivers' ever since.

Her loyalty has paid off, as the pop legends have agreed to perform a one-off concert in the Summerfield Pub, on October 29, to help raise funds for Francis House Hospice.

Sue grew up in Manchester and recalled: "I joined the fan club when I was aged about 14. My friend, Chrissie Jones, ran it and was getting swamped by all the fan mail and needed someone to help out.

"She was looking through all the letters trying to find a fan who lived nearby, to help her out.

"She noticed that I lived just down the road from her. She knocked on my door one day, asking if I would like to help. So I helped her run it from 1972 to 1975 and we've been friends ever since."

A photograph of the girls in the Seventies, capturing the era's fashions and hairstyles, was featured in a book about the band.

Sue went on to forge a life long friendship with all the band members and their families. And she has even turned husband Nick into a fan, too.

He said: "I must admit that, when I first met Sue and she told me she was a big Rubettes fan, I did not really think they were my thing. But I have met them all and seen them perform. They are superb entertainers, real professionals and genuinely nice people. I can promise they'll put on a brilliant show."

The band is now a four-piece featuring three original members - lead singer Alan Williams, plus John Richardson and Mick Clarke.

Still sporting their trademark white suits-and-caps, they have been caught up in the 70's pop music nostalgia frenzy that has kept them busy for much of the past twenty years.

Singer Alan said: "Every year we think how long is this going to go on. But interest just seems to keep increasing."

The group have been busy playing sell-out stadium tours with groups like Showaddywaddy and The Tremolos. And the band are travelling to Germany the day after their Wilmslow appearance.

Alan said he is looking forward to the intimacy of the pub venue.

"It is quite good to have people in-your-face. About 30 years ago we used to play in pubs but we don't get the opportunity to do those sort of events any more.

"My favourite venues are theatres, with less than 3,000 people. That's because everyone is attentive and you can do some special things that need total attention and quiet.

"In big stadiums you can't do that. But you get that real rock 'n' roll sound."

The band performs at The Summerfield Pub, Dean Row Road, on Friday October 29. Tickets costing £10 are available from the bar and proceeds will go to Francis House Hospice. The show starts at 8pm and price includes a hot buffet and late bar.