A FORMER pupil of Hitchin Boys’ School is paying a debt of gratitude by arranging a fundraising concert.

Old boy Colin Bates has persuaded the Bingham String Quartet and Nigel Clayton, professor of piano at the Royal College of Music, to entertain a Hitchin audience.

The classical programme will feature a Haydn quartet, a Dvorak quintet and other pieces for piano, as well as a selection of specially arranged Armenian folk songs.

“I’ve felt for a long time I’d like to give something back to the school, which has given me so much, and this year I’ve finally done something about it,” said Colin.

The concert, which will see all proceeds go to the school’s music department, taks place at the school in Grammar School Walk on Friday, April 8, at 7pm. A bar will be open from 6pm.

Tickets are �10 for adults and �5 for students, with family tickets also available, and can be bought from Hitchin Town Initiative, Hitchin Boys’ School reception, via the school website at www.hbs.herts.sch.uk or on the night.