KIRKBIE Kendal students are ready to rock in their biggest fundraiser to date.

The Kendal school’s talented young guys and gals share the Westmorland Hall stage with some of the teaching staff at Lakes Leisure Kendal stage on Friday, November 18 (7pm) in aid of Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The Another Evening of Entertainment is inspired by KK teacher Geoff Cater, who has been treated at Preston-based Rosemere’s radiotherapy unit, since 2008.

He said being diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago had a profound effect on him and along with a determination to ‘beat’ the disease worked hard to raise money for Rosemere.

Geoff’s first fundraiser for Rosemere was in 2009. However, the massive November 18 gig will be his swansong as the guitar-playing music lover has decided to retire from education in 2012.

He explained: “Cancer affects so many people these days. I’ve been lucky. I’ve had so much support from my doctors, radiotherapists, friends, family, staff and students at KKS.

“I would love to give something back. I really hope people can help be coming to the show. They would be helping not just me but a whole host of other people and at the same time helping to make this concert a night to remember.”

Another Evening of Entertainment features more than 20 KK acts - pianists, guitarists, and singers performing covers and self-penned original material.

Geoff has resurrected the Caterettes backing singers and the Staff Band will be pumping out classics such as The Beatles Money and Fleetwood Mac’s Don’t Stop.

Also featured will be some of the school’s dynamic dancers.

Added Geoff: “The whole show is really about the students. They've done virtually all of the organising, done their own musical arrangements and made all the decisions.

“Two year 13 students Alice Wills and Adam Wray have produced the show with me. They have been awesome and worked their socks off.”

Geoff - well known for his love of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan - started at KK in 1980 as head of art and in the late 1990s, early 2000s, was behind the school’s hugely successful Reach for the Stars talent shows.

Since September 2006 he has taught media studies but next year will pack up his plectrum and Gibson Les Paul and have a well-deserved rest.

“Being diagnosed with cancer doesn't half bring your life into focus. Three years ago I was staring down the barrel of a gun. Now, I'm starting to dare to believe. I've had a ball teaching but it's a very, very demanding job so after 40 years at the chalkface, I'm looking forward to a bit of a break.

“Robert, my eldest son, is married to a Canadian girl and they live in Vancouver and are expecting their first child in December, so the first thing I'll be doing is flying out to Canada.

“After that - as Ronnie Wood says - 'I've got my own album to do.'”

Tickets £6 and available from KK reception or Lakes Leisure Kendal.