DEDICATED supporter of Wiltshire Air Ambulance Dennis Overton is organising his last Big Band Concert for the charity at Melksham Assembly Hall, after staging the event for over 25 years.

Mr Overton, who lives in Hilperton, has been arranging the concert with the Mike Smith Big Band in support of the air ambulance since 1990 and has raised thousands of pounds.

The 77-year-old worked in the ambulance service for 31 years, first as a paramedic and then in the control room, and after he retired he decided to start raising money for the air ambulance.

Mr Overton has decided this year’s concert, at the Melksham Assembly Hall on April 11, will be his last as he is getting older and the dance seems to be getting less popular.

Mr Overton said: “They have not been doing as well in recent years, but I want to really push the tickets this year and try and get a sellout.

“It is something that I have always loved organising as I really enjoy big band music. It would be fantastic to get a sellout, which would be 400 tickets, as that would raise around £2-3,000.

“We have probably raised over £12,000 over the years for the charity as it needs regular support to keep running. The atmosphere is always fantastic and everyone gets really into the music.

“I have put a lot of effort into organising it over the years and now just seems like the right time to stop, but I have enjoyed every minute of doing it.”

The Big Band Concert will be at Melksham Assembly Hall on April 11, with the doors opening at 7pm and the music starting at 8pm. Anyone interested in tickets, which cost £17, can contact Mr Overton on 01225 754337.