South Craven’s newest folk club had a full house for its inaugural night with a performance byVin Garbutt.

Lothersdale Live will feature monthly concerts headlined by the likes of Jez Lowe, Martin Carthy, Hissyfit and Artisan.

Organisers hope to complement existing folk clubs across the area by giving performers a larger-capacity venue.

Lawson Alexander, who was at the first concert, said the artist, venue and location was certainly right for the inaugural Lothersdale Live.

He said the “incomparable” Vin Garbutt was in top form as he played both favourites and new material, accompanied by patter and humour.

Lawson said: “He is a fine writer of songs, an interpreter of other songwriters’ work and someone whose stage presence and delivery is without equal.”

Vin’s two sets were preceded by the night’s compere, Jim McDonald, performing tracks from his new the CD Pieces Of Me.

Vin went on to perform songs such as John You Are Gone, When The Tide Turns, Darwin to Dilli and Be As Children.

Lawson said that highlights included If I Had A Son, a powerful song about a father and his hopes, and Fallen Of Fulstowe was an emotional song about a village that refused a war memorial because one name was omitted.

Ed Cullen, one of the organisers of Lothersdale Live, said the aim was to stage regular concerts featuring top class artists, showcasing quality and variety to suit all tastes.

The next Lothersdale Live on October 25 will feature headliner Jez Lowe, renowned for both his songwriting and live performances, and a recognised musical ambassador for his native North East England.

The headliner on November 15 will be Bernard, who started singing in folk clubs in the mid-1960s, and has also acted in many TV programmes and films including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Phoenix Nights, Dinnerladies and Brassed Off.

French-born singer Flossie Mallavaille and songwriter songwriter Keith Donnelly will share the stage on February 25 also coming up next year are Hull-based duo Hissyfit and Ryedale-based singer-songwriter David Swan (May 16); vocal harmony trio Artisan (June 27) and folk music legend Martin Carthy (November 14).

Lothersdale Live features a real ale bar provided by Bridgehouse Brewery.

Visit lothersdalelive.org.uk for further information.