By REBECCA DIXON

Last updated at 13:15, Friday, 12 February 2010

PRUDHOE musician Justin Radford became a ‘local hero’ for a night last week when he took centre stage with Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler.

Hero worship: Justin Radford joins Mark Knopfler on stage at the Sunday for Sammy gig to perform Local Hero. Picture courtesy of Mark Pinder

Justin was playing with his band Junco Partners at Newcastle’s Sunday for Sammy gig – a charity night in aid of the Sammy Johnson Memorial Fund which supports rising performing artists in the region.

He said: “Mark Knopfler was down to play Coming Home, the song everyone knows as Local Hero. It’s a big local anthem, but Knopfler doesn’t play that much in it. However, there is a big saxophone solo and I’m a sax player, so I was asked to do it.”

Justin had just 10 days to learn the solo and aid: “During rehearsals on Sunday, Mark was lovely and very encouraging.

“Then when it came to the gig that night, he beckoned me forwards and got me to play up front on the stage alongside him.

“It was brilliant; the best gig I have ever done.”

First published at 09:44, Friday, 12 February 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk