DUO Blue C will be celebrating the first anniversary of their Blues On The Rock club on Sunday.

Raphael Callaghan and Christine Purnell run the monthly club at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, Wirral.

The historic fort, with its commanding presence on New Brighton shore, opposite the new Floral Pavilion Theatre, may seem an unlikely music venue. But it was after Raphael and Christine had been to the regular Merseybeat sessions there that they realised the potential for their own style of music.

“As well as being a fascinating place in its own right, it has a superb basement room inside that was being used by old Merseybeat groups, the Tony Davis jazz band and poetry groups on Sunday afternoons,” says Callaghan. “It has great acoustics and an intimacy that lends itself to all kinds of roots music.

“When I approached fort owner Doug Darroch for a gig, he suggested we take the second Sunday of the month – and it has blossomed ever since.”

The singer, slide guitarist and harmonica player says a big part of the club’s success is down to the audience.

“It’s a pleasure to play for them,” he says. “Also we deck a corner with posters and blues memorabilia, so there’s plenty to look at before the live music gets under way.”

Blue C, with Christine on bass guitar, perform a full set each time and introduce a guest soloist or band. This Sunday sees the return of the first guest from last July, Al Willard Peterson, ex-Supercharge and Lawnmower. Music from 1-4pm, admission £4. More information, www.myspace.com/bluecblues or 0151 709 5484.