MUSICIANS old and young came out to play their songs in Witney at the first session of the year of a popular open mic night.

Among them was Alan Lawrence of the Witney-based Charlie Alan Band, who entertained the audience in the Winchester Room of St Mary’s Church playing a resonator guitar.

Colin and Jean Greenway, who run Greenway Antiques, in Corn Street, launched the monthly sessions at the Church Green venue four years ago.

Mrs Greenway said performers aged 10 to 90 took part in the sessions, which are held every third Thursday of the month at 8pm.

She added: “We get people with lots of different instruments turning up – anything from guitarists to harpists. This started out to raise funds for the church. It’s a good opportunity for beginners and semi-professional musicians.

“The Wychwood Brewery sponsors the bar and Rapture Music provides vouchers for the raffle.”