For more and more people are said to be taking up the ukulele – the beguiling banjo-like instrument that made the legendary Fylde Coast-based comedian, musician and film star famous all those decades ago.

The latest recruit is film and TV actor John Henshaw who has really hit the right note with locals near his home in the Pennine hills.

For John, 57, is one of the newest members of the Saddleworth branch of the George Formby Appreciation Society, which continues to meet regularly in Blackpool.

Every weekend, the Saddleworth club's members, whose ages range from 10 to 72, meet to play ukulele tunes that had the Formby faithful tapping their toes.

John, currently seen in his starring role in the hit Post Office TV ads alongside the likes of Westlife and Joan Collins, meets with the music society at the Cross Keys Inn at Uppermill.

John said: "The 'uke' is a fabulously versatile instrument , capturing everything from classical to rock and roll. But the Formby classics – including Leaning On A Lamp Post – are my favourites."

The society's joint organisers – George Deakin and George Vincent – say interest in the distinctive brand of music is blossoming.

Mr Deakin, 70, explains: "Formby''s music is really infectious. It completely captured those heydays of the forties and fifties. It has cheeky, happy, easy-to-listen-to tempos, with sparkling tunes and catchy lyrics."