NOT many of us have a career still flourishing at 88, but Ken Blackstock has just picked up a lifetime achievement award for his efforts.

Mr Blackstock, from Penketh, has been drumming for more than 70 years and still plays his drum kit most weeks in private clubs and concert halls.

Last month he picked up the lifetime achievement award at the Young at Art awards held at the Pyramid and he says as long as people still want him to, he will carry on playing.

Mr Blackstock said: "It was lovely to receive the award. I very much enjoy drumming, I have been doing it for more than 70 years now. I was born to it!

"I think that I must have played with every band around here - that is no exaggeration!"

These days he entertains the crowds at the regular tea dances at the Pyramid but still travels to places like Liverpool (he has a gig there next week) to show off his talents.

Mr Blackstock even taught the percussion tutor at the Pyramid, Vincent Pearson, to play the drums.

Some of the highlights of his career include performing in the RAF band for a number of years during the war and playing at the Liverpool Empire.

But he adds: "I liked playing Belgium. I was there during the war and was on Belgian radio and played at nightclubs."

During the 1950s he also played with the Wilf Rigby band when some well know singers such as Edna Savage, Barbara Lawton and Joan Rigby, sang with the group.

l Other winners at the Young at Art awards were: Allan Higginson and Glynn Cooke - artist award; Roger Sim - inspirational tutor; Chris Jackson and Anne Jackson -arts project award; Peter Henry - dedication to the arts.