Lakenheath drummer, 86, to record CD before putting down the sticks

Peter Empson has played in many bands, including Kedgeree, the Pete and Kenny Duo and the Fantasia Showband

An 86-year-old drummer is due to record a final CD before he puts down his sticks for good.

Peter Empson from Lakenheath, Suffolk, has played the drums for more than 50 years.

After an extensive musical career, he played his last gig in September, which raised £1,500 for My WiSH Charity.

He will have one last hurrah when his band of 20 years, On The Road Again, record a CD in the coming weeks.

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The self-taught percussionist began playing the drums in 1969, at 32 years old.

Having previously promised his wife he would retire from his busy music career at age 70, he re-joined his former band after she passed away seven years ago.

"I came back playing again as I missed it so much," he said.

Mr Empson's career has seen him drum for multiple bands, including Kedgeree, the Pete and Kenny Duo and the Fantasia Showband.

He played on the same bill in Bristol as chart toppers The Wurzels while performing with Three Plus One.

Mr Empson's daughters, Beverley and Sandra, helped to organise his final public gig

In 2019, Mr Empson suffered a heart attack which resulted in a triple bypass at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

He decided to raise money for the cardiac unit following the "wonderful treatment" he received from the staff.

His final public appearance in September at The Pavilion, Lakenheath, raised £1,500 for the team at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

Tanya Field, fundraising officer for My WiSH, said: "It's been a pleasure to support Peter with his fundraising. This total is just fantastic and we are thrilled he enjoyed his final gig so much."

The evening was attended by about 100 people, including Mr Empson's grandsons, who joined him on stage.

"I felt very, very proud to finish playing with my two grandsons," he said.

After the band has recorded for the upcoming CD, Mr Empson plans to sell his drum kit.

"I've had a wonderful 50-odd years and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time drumming."