EVEN decimalisation couldn't kill them off. Twenty-eight years after they first took their bow in the North-west folk clubs, Fivepenny Piece are still going strong.

Three of the faces have changed over the years, but Eddie Crotty and po-faced George Radcliffe, who were both in at the birth, are still there belting out the same nostalgia and humour that's as popular now as 28 years ago.

Classics like "Keep Your Hand on Your Ha'penny" -- based on the sound advice that wise Lancashire mums would give to their daughters as they set off for a first date with a boyfriend.

The group's future was assured with the addition of some Leigh humour and some wonderful vocal talent from Culcheth.

John Eatock, who joined in 1997, is a well known character around the folk clubs. He was leader of the earthy Leigh based folk group Turnpike.

"I was born in Leigh during the tripe famine of the late 40s and I came from a very large family, so I quickly learned to be out of bed first so I was the best dressed," he recalls.

His songs and tales reflect his love for Lancashire and his wit and humour are blended with a rich dialect.

Andrea Mullins joined the group in 1983 after a successful career with her own female pop act The Caravelles. Their records, including "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" were worldwide hits.

The other newcomer is Alan Taylor from Croft, who joined in 1997. He has played in bands like Poacher and the Bogtrotters. Like John Eatock, he's a born comedian.

Tonight, Fivepenny Piece are at the Formby Hall, Atherton -- their second visit to the Bolton area this year. In August, they were one of the big hits of the Bolton Festival.

While many other groups who were big on the North-west circuit in the 70s have long since bitten the dust, Fivepenny Piece enjoyed a successful 1999 that saw the release of a new CD and tape "57 Fivepenny Favourites" and a busy programme of concerts that peaked with an open air event in front of more than 1,000 at Gawsworth Hall.

The Formby Hall box office number is 01942 876496.