Keighley's own first ladies of folk music are performing next weekend with Britain's original "folk goddess".

Grace Notes, currently celebrating their 10th birthday, are helping Julie Felix mark 40 years as a professional singer.

They are sharing the stage during a concert on Saturday, March 29, organised by Cleckheaton Folk Festival. Julie rose to worldwide prominence in the late Sixties through a hit TV series, albums and concert performances.

Grace Notes are renowned throughout the UK for their harmonic singing and multi-instrumental playing. .

The three women, Maggie Boyle, Lynda Hardcastle and Helen Hockenhull, are long-time performers on the local folk scene.

They came together in 1993 and soon built up a strong reputation in folk clubs and festivals around the country.

Maggie is a professional folk singer -- both solo and with groups -- while Lynda and Helen are teachers in local schools.

Julie Felix came to England in 1964 after leaving California and hitching through Europe with a duffel bag and guitar.

She was named "Britain's First Lady of Folk" by the Times newspaper.

Tickets for the March 29 concert in Cleckheaton Town Hall (7pm) cost £10 (concessions £8.50), by phoning 01924 324501.