The Norfolk rockers are rolling back the years - this time to help Big C, the civic charity so close to our hearts.

An idea, sparked by stories in the Evening News, broadcasts on BBC Radio Norfolk and a name suggested by a former Norwich rock 'n' roller, has resulted in more than �123,000 being handed out to charities and good causes across the city.

Back in the mid-90s when I was writing a series of articles about life in the city during the swinging '60s Harvey Platt, ex-member of the classy Continentals, suggested I call it the Golden Years.

And when ex-member of The Zodiacs Terry Wickham stepped forward to put together a 'one-off' gig reuniting some of the bands we grew up with, the name stuck.

Guitars, keyboards and drum kits were dusted down as band members were tracked down and persuaded to play again – some for the first time in three decades.

No, they wouldn't get paid, all the money raised was going to help others in Norwich. In fact nobody asked for a penny. They were just happy to be back on stage.

The result was a smash-hit, sell-out gig at The Talk in 1996 – the Golden Years was up and running.

Since then so many of the Norfolk bands from the 1950s, '60s and '70s have reformed for the charity gigs – some are back on the road enjoying themselves, and sounding better than ever.

'It has been, and still is, something quite extraordinary,' said former guitarist and vocalist Terry Wickham who puts the concerts put together. 'We had thought about calling it a day but people keep asking for more.'

And the beat goes on...

The next gig is back at the UEA on Saturday, April 14 when the money raised will be going to help the work of our very own cancer charity – Big C – which is also the Norwich civic charity this year.

The Golden Years is all about good music and helping others and we always support charities and good causes in Norwich and Norfolk.

'Big C is close to so many hearts. It does wonderful work – what better way to support it then by rocking the night away to the Norfolk beat,' said Terry.

Those taking part in the April 14 concert include Garry Freeman and the New Contours, Mervyn and the Starbeats, Mister Buss and there will be a special musical tribute to remember and honour the late, great John Lofty.

It promises to be another great night.

Tickets, �10, are available from:

The Evening News office, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich – telephone 01603 772175 or visit the websiste at www.en24.co.uk/shop

UEA box office – Norwich 508050 or www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk

Terry Wickham on Norwich 864460.

PMT Music Shop, Anglia Square, Norwich.

The Trafford Arms pub, Grove Road, Norwich.