Park gig is star's top date

Rock star Midge Ure today said he could not wait to play a live gig at Shrewsbury's Quarry Park as part of the town's Here and Now concert in July.

He will be lining up alongside Rick Astley, Bananarama, Nick Heyward, Telford's own T'Pau, Heaven 17 and Toyah.

He said: "I have to say Here and Now concerts are great fun. Carol Decker is very, very good and the Bananas give you exactly what you expect to see. It's hit after hit after hit.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Ure, who organised Band Aid and Live8 with his friend, Bob Geldof, and also co-wrote Do They Know It's Christmas?, has been honoured in recent years for his contribution to culture and charity.

He was awarded an OBE and a series of doctorates from universities.

He said: "We all like it when we've done something well. An honourary degree is everything to a kid who grew up on the outskirts of Glasgow. That, and the OBE, are the ultimate way of saying 'you did well'."