Ukelele fever is sweeping through the Holme Valley.

Around 40 players of all ages and abilities joined a ukulele session at Holmfirth High School on Saturday.

The event was so popular that Holme Valley Music Centre decided to set up a ukulele club in response to local interest.

The centre, which also runs several other music groups, will be running a regular ukulele club starting on Saturday, February 8, at 11.30am.

Holme Valley Music Centre leader Pat France said: “The ukulele is easily accessible. It’s not very expensive to buy and it’s a fun instrument.

“You can pick it up quite easily but it can be quite skilled at a different level.

“It’s a very social instrument. Almost everyone who came wanted to make it a regular thing.”

The ukulele, a four-string member of the guitar family, originated in Hawaii. It was played by Portuguese immigrants 

in the 19th century and gained popularity in America in the 1900s.  For more information about the valley club email pat.france@kirkleesmusicschool.org.uk

George Formby was  the most famous  ukulele player.

The British comedy  actor, singer- songwriter and  comedian sang light,  comical songs,  usually playing the  ukulele, which he is  pictured with.

He was a major  star of stage and  screen in the 1930s  and 1940s when  Formby became the  UK’s highest-paid  entertainer.

His songs such as  When I’m Cleaning  Windows were  particularly popular  during the Second  World War (1939-45).