STEVE Millington suffered a near-fatal brain haemorrhage in September last year.

But it never stopped the Houghton Weavers musician believing in his band's ethos to keep smiling.

Steve, who grew up in Thelwall, said: "I am very glad to be alive. The medical staff and nursing staff at Preston Royal saved my life.

"I have a totally different outlook now. It makes you value what you’ve got. I’d like to thank all my family, friends, Weaver colleagues and fans for their support.

"I’m awaiting some treatment at the Walton Centre in Liverpool next year and hopefully I’ll be given the all-clear the year after.

"They’re going to be doing some gamma ray treatment with me but I’m feeling a lot better."

In the meantime it is onwards and upwards for Steve's folk band the Houghton Weavers who are playing at the Pyramid centre tomorrow, Friday, on the eve of their 40th anniversary.

Since 1975, the band have recorded more than 30 albums and made seven series of their own BBC TV show as well as six Radio 2 series.

Their music is still successful today with the song Wild Mountain Thyme recently picked to feature on a film called Between Weathers by Jim Brown.

Steve, who plays bass, keyboard, acoustic guitar and accordion with the band, added: "It’s a double edged sword because at first you think: ‘Are we really that old?’

"But then you think it’s great because there are not that many bands that reach that milestone.

"We’re going to mark the anniversary with some special shows with guests all over the country. I think it’s fabulous. We thoroughly enjoy it still.

"Every night is fresh and people are still turning up to see us. We love it and long may it go on."

Steve, who owns Frog Recording Studios in Warrington, told Weekend that some of their fans have been following the band since day one – and they still regularly see them at the shows.

"We have such a loyal fan base," the dad-of-two said.

"Some fans go to every gig. In fact last year there was a particular woman who went to more gigs than me because obviously I was ill for some of it.

"Our strap line is ‘keep folk smiling’ and that is what our ethos is all about, especially at this time of year. People need lifting.

"In these tough times they want cheering up and that’s what we try to do. It is a formula that has been going for 40 years.

"The fans are almost like your family. The first two rows of the audience, you see them all the time. It is surreal."

Founding members David Littler and Tony Berry formed the Houghton Weavers almost 40 years ago and Steve joined the band 20 years ago – meaning they have a century of folk music experience between them.

So what is the secret to their longevity?

Steve, whose mum Anne still lives in Thelwall, added: "Sometimes you’ll have contrasting opinions and sometimes you have to know when to back off.

"It’s very much like a relationship and it does get tested but we’re great mates.

"I come from a session musician background and, with some bands, if you make a mistake you get five people turning around and starring at you.

"But with the Weavers you get two people turning around and laughing at you.

"I’m a lot more relaxed now 20 years on and the fans laugh with us. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and that’s what makes it enjoyable as it’s like having a jam in your front room."

DAVID MORGAN