A FOLK band from Otley is looking forward to performing at a Washburn Valley church.

Summercross - or at least the group’s acoustic incarnation - is one of the acts that will play when Norwood Methodist Church holds Folk @ Norwood on Friday, May 17.

Local musician Heather Woodhead and other acts are also lined up for the event, which is the first of its kind to be held at the chapel and retreat centre.

Summercross paid the venue a visit recently to have a look around. Singer-songwriter Greg Mulholland - an Otley Ambassador and the town’s former MP - said: “We’re delighted to have been asked to play at the special folk evening at Norwood Chapel. It will be a wonderful place to play and a great way to raise funds.

“We’re really looking forward to the event, especially playing our songs about local history in such a historic venue.”

Fiddle player Mary Huby added: “We’re very excited to be playing at Norwood Chapel, a really special venue for a folk evening.

“We hope people will join us there and fill the Chapel.”

Tickets for the 7.30pm to 9.30pm event cost £10, which includes refreshments, and can be purchased by sending payment plus an SAE (stamped addressed envelope) to: Norwood Folk Evening, c/o 76 The Whartons, Otley, LS21 2BS.

Cheques should be made payable to Wharfedale and Aireborough Methodist Circuit.

Summercross, meanwhile, is preparing to release its debut album - My Northern Heart, which contains a number of original songs inspired by local history - within the next month or so.