A CONCERT is being held in Halesowen to raise money for the Leasowes Walled Garden Appeal.

Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club is holding the concert on Saturday, August 16 and will feature Out of the Shadows and The Real Neil, aka Ken Russell.

The Hales Owen Abbey Trust struck a deal with Birmingham Metropolitan College to buy the walled garden and launched an appeal to raise £20,000.

The Friends of Leasowes and Halesowen MP James Morris are also appealing for donations so the garden can become an attraction in the town.

James Morris MP said: “I really hope that this historic walled garden can be bought on behalf of our local community and I know that people will join me in thanking everyone who is working so hard to make that possible.

“This concert on August 16 looks like being a fantastic night out and I hope that it raises loads more money towards the Leasowes Walled Garden Appeal."

Leasowes Park is of historical significance because of the landscaping carried out by poet William Shenstone from 1743 until his death in 1763. The walled garden was added in the 1770s to feed the family and servants of the next owner, Edward Horne.

Stourbridge College used the garden for its horticultural centre for learning disabilities until they abandoned the site 20 months ago in favour of Kidderminster.

In March governors from Birmingham Metropolitan College, which took over Stourbridge College last year, agreed to sell the 1.85 acre site to the trust.

A spokesman for the appeal said: "The evening features top local award-winning band Out of the Shadows, who play a range of hits from fifties, sixties and seventies including songs by their namesakes, as well as Halesowen Town's own The Real Neil."

The fun starts at 8.30pm and tickets cost £10 each, which includes a buffet.

Please contact Ken Russell on 07952 406378.