A HUDDERSFIELD instrument maker whose shop was devastated by fire is being helped back into business by his friends.

And the venture is turning into a local version of Band Aid!

Paul McNab, 61, ran Paulman's Musical Instruments in town centre Chancery Lane until it was destroyed by fire in October.

He was asleep in the building when fire broke out at 2.45am on October 16.

He was woken by the sound of a fire alarm and made it out of the building before firefighters arrived.

However, all of Mr McNab's equipment - plus instruments he was building and repairing - were destroyed.

Unfortunately, the damage was not covered by insurance.

Things looked bad Mr McNab, who has been making fretted instruments for 40 years.

But he has new hope, now that four of his friends have organised a charity concert for him.

The rock and blues concert will be at Colne Valley Leisure Centre on New Street, Slaithwaite, on January 28.

It has been organised by Cowlersley couple David and Tracy Brian, Peter Norcliffe, from Golcar, and Dr Peter Faulkner, of Longwood.

Mr Norcliffe said: "We all know Paul and he's a very popular chap.

"We were keen to help a talented craftsman get back on his feet after falling on hard times.

"All the money will go towards building his business back up.

"He's gobsmacked that we are doing this.

"He said nobody had ever done anything like it for him before."

At first, the four friends anticipated a small gig at the Station Tavern in St George's Square, Huddersfield.

But after Mr Brian, a former professional guitarist, began asking his local musician friends to perform it soon became clear that a bigger venue would be needed.

About 1,000 people are expected at the Slaithwaite gig.

Mr Norcliffe said: "At first a couple of local bands were asked if they were interested in playing.

"But such was Paul's popularity that when word got around, other groups made contact with us.

"Now there will be four excellent bands and one individual performing on the night, all giving their time for free."

The bands performing will be Leeds-based Led Zeppelin tribute act Led Zeppalike, Huddersfield rock group Razorbach, local blues band Ckreed, Huddersfield-based Bluesbite and Huddersfield acoustic solo artist Jon Strong.

There will also be a raffle.

For just £2, people have the chance to win one of Mr McNab's hand-built Paulman Killer Two guitars.

The standard retail price for such an instrument is around £2,000.

Entry to the concert costs £10, either on the door or by buying tickets in advance from Mr Norcliffe on 01484 644897.