4BR has been informed that the Reg Vardy Band will have to take to the stage at Preston Guild Hall on the weekend without MD Richard Evans.

Resident sub

After recently returning from Japan, Richard has been forced to undergo hospital treatment for a kidney stone this week that means that he will be unable to lead the band at the contest. Resident MD Steve Malcolm will take his place.

Everyone hopes Richard makes a speedy recovery and we hope to gain a good result to help him on his wayBand Manager, Les Palmer

Speedy recovery

Band Manager Les Palmer told 4BR that everyone at Reg Vardy was wishing Richard a speedy recovery.

"This is a blow of course as the band has been playing so well under Richard in the past couple of months. Fortunately Steve has done a great deal of work on the piece in preparation so he is able to step into the breach at short notice. Everyone hopes Richard makes a speedy recovery and we hope to gain a good result to help him on his way."