YESTERDAY, all The Beatless' troubles seemed so far away as the Faithful City's famous tribute band performed their last-ever gig to a crowd of 2,000.

The band, which has played covers of Beatles hits for 11 years, have had a number of final gigs in the past. But manager Tony Gibbon said Saturday's gig was definitely the end of the long and winding road.

"We've been tempted out of retirement a few times in the past, but this is definitely it," said Mr Gibbon.

The Beatless headlined the show with six other bands appearing at the St George's Lane gig.

Plans are still being made to auction off some of The Beatless' costumes and other paraphernalia to raise money for charity.

The group has performed 509 shows in eight countries, made 127 television and radio appearances and raised more than £50,000 for charity.

They performed a Middle Eastern television gig in front of 80 million viewers and played with original Beatles drummer Pete Best in Nuremberg. Dave Lewins