Five decades have passed since they first hit number one and Merseybeat record breakers Gerry and the Pacemakers are heading back to Dartford.

The Gerry Marsden-fronted group came up at the same time as the Beatles and were also managed by Brian Epstein and recorded by George Martin.

They were the first act to top the charts with their first three singles.

Now they will be playing two 60s Gold shows at The Orchard Theatre on November 30.

Also on the bill are fellow Liverpool lads, The Searchers, whose first song went to the top of the charts and lead to the next five being top five hits.

PJ Proby, who shocked the nation with his trouser splitting and ponytail in 1964, joins them, as do The Fortunes and The Tremeloes’ Brian Poole and Chip Hawkes.

Go to orchardtheatre.co.uk