CRAVEN Accordion Orchestra is going ahead with its 25th anniversary celebrations despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Instead of performing flagship concerts the Cross Hills-based orchestra will be the subject of a special programme on Drystone Radio.

The Skipton-based station will air its hour-long special on Sunday June 28 from 11am, on 103.5 FM and online at drystoneradio.com.

CAO founder Harry Hinchcliffe said the show would serve as an alternative to the orchestra's original "big plans" that had to be cancelled due to lockdown.

He said: "What a journey and a happy story it has been – 13 times UK champions, all the concerts, the social events, the trips... so yes, we are still going to celebrate!

"This programme will feature many of the best moments from our archives and numerous old favourites popular with our regular listeners.

"We would like to extend special thanks to presenter Steve Brown from Drystone Radio, Matt Annable and Dave Gaunt from Skipton IT Services Ltd, for assisting with the broadcast.

"And a massive thank you from us to the organisers and everyone else involved in the many events at which the CAO was due to appear throughout the year. We hope this celebratory broadcast will bring us all together during such a difficult period."

Accordion teacher Harry, who runs the Craven School of Music, said the orchestra had always been recognised for its fundraising efforts, and this time would give proceeds to Manorlands.

Harry suggests people listening to the concert should donate a minimum of £3, by visiting justgiving.com/campaign/ManorlandsEmergencyAppeal.