A HOST of tribute acts hoping to make it onto the books of Kidderminster-based entertainment agency, Upfront, are to give Operation Covert a musical boost next week.

A showcase of new acts is being held in aid of the campaign to rebuild the Rhydd Covert Scout centre next Thursday at The Gainsborough Hotel in Kidderminster.

It will feature acts including eighties tribute band 80's Affair and all-girl sixties tribute group The Krystalettes, as well as former Stars In Their Eyes winner Dave Dixon, singing Neil Diamond and Elvis Presley hits.

Eighteen-year-old singing sensation Samantha Starr from Wolverhampton will also take part.

Rolf Harris impersonator, Mike Lewis, who lives in Kidderminster and is a former assistant to the district commissioner at Kidderminster & District Scout Council, will compere the show.

Upfront owner, Brian Davis, said he hoped the showcase could raise as much cash as possible for Operation Covert, which he described as a "very good cause".

"It should be a great night because all of our showcases get packed out," he said, adding that "virtually every musical taste" was catered for.

"Basically we support a different charity each month," he said.

Tickets for the show, which will run from 8pm until 11.30pm, are still available at a cost of £3 each from the Shuttle/Times and News office in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster.

They can also be obtained by calling the Scouts on 01562 638100.