A SOUTHAMPTON social club will be saluting a home-grown Hampshire 60s idol who made pop history on both sides of the Atlantic.

Heinz Burt, who rocketed to international fame as one of The Tornados, died nearly five years ago after a brave battle against motor neurone disease.

For the last three years the Bitterne Park Social Club has marked the anniversary of the former bass guitarist's death with a special tribute night to his memory.

A club spokesman said: "It is very poignant that we should be marking the fifth anniversary of Heinz's death by bringing together many artists that he worked with."

Heinz, who grew up in Eastleigh, and his fellow Tornados hit number one on both sides of the Atlantic with the legendary instrumental Telstar.

It was said to be former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's favourite record.

The Tornados were the first British group to have a number one on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Telstar is the title of play which recently took to the nationwide stage and tells the dramatic story of 60s pop guru Joe Meek,who groomed Heinz for pop stardom.

Heinz will be remembered in what promises to be a feast of rock 'n' roll at the

Bitterne Park Social Club on Friday April 8, which is the day after the anniversary of his death.

Musicians who worked with Heinz have put together a star-spangled package, which will include classic numbers from the songbooks of Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury and Cliff Richard.

They will also be belting out some tunes from the Heinz

collection, including his chart-busting Just Like Eddie.

The Bitterne Park line-up, brought together by Magic Music Productions, will be Colin Roy (as Heinz and Elvis), Tony Harte (Eddie Cochran), Jeff Holland (Billy Fury) and Steve Christy (Cliff Richard).

Members of Heinz's family have been invited to the tribute night and all the proceeds from the even will be donated to the Southampton branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Tickets costing £6 are now on sale to club members.