MUSICIANS are banding together for concerts in Bury to help eradicate polio worldwide.

The Rotary Clubs of Bury have united to hold a Purple4Polio fundraising weekend in the town, which will also raise awareness of the disease, which has not been seen in many developed countries for nearly 30 years.

Polio mostly affects children under the age of five and can lead to paralysis, deformity and even death.

There is no cure but it is preventable with vaccine.

Rotary International, World Health Organisation, UNICEF, US Centers for Disease Control and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation have spent 30 years battling to eradicate polio worldwide and it now only exists in a couple of countries.

But it has reappeared in some countries where it was assumed to be eliminated.

The event, on March 18 and 19, will feature more than 300 musicians, bands and choirs, including schoolchildren, performing concerts in the Mill Gate and The Rock, with other activities taking place.

There will also be a virtual parade around town centre shops.

It is also being supported by local businesses and 150 volunteers.

The Millgate Centre and The Rock shopping centres are also involved and and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and the Mayor of Bury have committed their time.

Bury Rotary steering group chairman Patrick Wall said: “We could just think ‘what has it got do do with me?’ but if it comes back, then it has everything to do with us. Just £2 immunises four children for the rest of their lives. That £1 from Bury could be the final amount to stop there being any further cases of polio around the world.

“Rotarians feel that a once in a lifetime opportunity is there to make a real difference.

“It has been really uplifting that so many people have given their time to support this cause.”

For details about the campaign, visit purple4polio.org