THE FINAL curtain is set to fall on more than 40 years of charity performances in Southampton.

The Follies Variety Club has helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes by entertaining audiences with singing, dancing and sketches since the late 1950s.

Now the club, which rehearses once a week at Semble House Resource Centre for the Disabled in Hamble Terrace, the Polygon, will be taking to the stage for the last time on December 17.

Club president and producer Tom Foddy, 76, was one of the founder members of Foxtrot Follies, which became Follies Variety Club in 1976, but now believes it is time to throw in the towel.

Mr Foddy said: "After 44 years I think we have to call it a day.

"It will be quite sad to take part in our last performance because the club has been part of my life for such a long time. I will be very reluctant to say goodbye."

The Follies put on about 25 shows a year, mostly performing in sheltered accommodation, nursing homes and hospitals.

They have also taken part in three additional shows a year, which raised in the region of £2,000 for charities including Cancer Research, League of Friends and Hope.

In July, Mr Foddy was honoured for his contribution to city life at a special awards ceremony.

He was presented with a City of Southampton Award from the mayor, Councillor Dennis Harryman, in recognition of his achievements with the Follies.

The two performances now left for the club include shows at St Boniface Church in Nursling on December 11 and Manstell Court sheltered home in Lordshill on December 17.

As a final gesture of goodwill, the 12 Follies members are donating two benches with plaques to Semble House, where they have rehearsed for nearly 30 years.

Mr Foddy added: "Everyone at Semble House has been absolutely marvellous to us and we want to give them something back as a little memento."