THE Toledo Mud Hens had been close to calling it quits had their long-term sound man not returned for next week's live appearance.

The Furness four-piece have a rare outing at The Black Dog, near Dalton, on Friday July 14 - and guitarist Roger Bibby revealed that the show wouldn't have happened had Pete Downing decided against returning to the mixing desk following a recent heart attack.

"It’s our first gig back with our backing singer and trombone-impersonating sound man Pete, so it should be an emotional one," he said.

"We probably would have called it a day if he’d decided not to return to the business, so we’re all buzzing that he’s back on his feet again."

The popular countrified rock covers outfit only play sporadic shows throughout the year, and - weather permitting - will take place outside the pub, where DogFest usually takes place.

A raucous live show is always guaranteed, as the four-piece rattles through a mix of their own material and reworked covers in their signature high-octane style.

While new additions to the set are yet to be revealed, rock hits and mash-ups from the likes of The Beatles and Pink Floyd have featured at their most recent shows.

Over the six years they've been active, they've become a popular draw in the region with festival appearances and regular headlining shows.

The line-up sees Neil Morrison and Roger Bibby sharing vocal and guitar duties, with Roger also providing banjo, Keith Banks on bass, and Matty Pearson on drums.

The show starts around 9pm, and entrance is free.