A LONG-established Cumbrian comedy folk band are getting out their instruments one final time to mark the end of long, if unexpected, musical career.

Panikatak started out 25 years ago as a group of parents volunteering to perform one song for a school concert, and gradually became a six-piece folk band gigging regularly.

They will be returning to the site of their initial performance - The Lakes School - for a farewell gig which will also serve as a fundraiser for a number of South Lakes charitable causes.

Original members of what was known as ‘Dr Birket and the Menopause’ were Ambleside GP Ian Birket, accompanied by primary school teachers Chris Cahill and Hanna Burke.

Performing as a trio, Ian played guitar, harmonica and sang, Chris sang and Hanna was on percussion and extra vocals.

Dave Draper soon joined on whistles, and Mo Lake, a gardener and groundsman from Grayrigg, became bass guitar player.

Heidi Montgomery was the first fiddler, and when she moved to Ireland, Brian Woodall was press-ganged into replacing her.

No band member can remember where the name ‘Panikatak’ came from.

The members of Panikatak have spent their musical career performing all over the UK and in Ireland.

Cumbria has been their main stomping ground, however they also travelled to the Brecon Beacons to help villagers celebrate the end of their isolation due to foot and mouth. They have also played in Ireland, at The Boghill Centre to headline the Matchmaking Festival.

Early in their career, the band decided to donate all the profits from their performances to charity.

The selfless decision has seen them raise more than £75,000 for charities across the world, perform hundreds of songs - both their own material and covers, record their music and take part in radio broadcasts.

The band members have chosen to call it a day as they are now all retired and have moved to various parts of the country.

They said: “It has been an amazing journey, filled with fun, friendship and immense pride.

“All good things must come to an end.”

The show at The Lakes School will be raising money in support of Ambleside Parish Centre, Friends of Windermere 597 bus service, and the Ambleside and Kirkstone Rotary Club, who are supporting Rosemere Foundation.

Tickets are £10 and can be purchased online, at the Marchesi Centre Windermere, Ambleside Parish Centre and Ambleside Post Office.