A SOLO tribute artist is giving back to the RAF by performing to more than 100,000 members and their families during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Andy Wilsher, 54, is hosting virtual concerts outside his home in Randall Close, Witham, each Friday afternoon which are being streamed online to members of the Royal Air Force Association.

Like many people in the performing arts industry, Andy finds himself with no work for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic and having spent six years in the RAF, he has decided to fill his time by giving back to an institution close to his heart.

He has been performing a number of his tribute acts, including Michael Buble and Robbie Williams, in the middle of the street which have then be streamed live to more than 100,000 members of the RAFA - a charity which supports ex-staff and their families.

Andy is also performing outside care homes in Witham on a weekly basis, including St Georges and Helen Court, to keep spirits up among residents who can watch on from their balconies and bedroom windows.

Manager Jackie Dyer said: "All of our shows have been completely wiped out because of the lockdown. The diary was quite full between February and June but that has all gone now.

"We've not got a lot on so thought we might as well do what we can to help and cheer people up.

"We have been quite shocked by the response because we didn't expect it.

"When Andy was performing outside Helen Court care home, there were people dancing along in the streets and park nearby.

"It was bizarre really but so good to see people having fun in this difficult time.

"Some of the messages we have been getting about the shows have been lovely but are also quite sad.

"We are getting people saying 'this has made my week' because they've been stuck indoors alone."

The pandemic is the second piece of bad luck for Andy and Jackie to occur in the space of six months.

They had £15,000 worth of music equipment stolen after a performance in Birmingham in December.

With Andy unable to perform in halls and venues up and down the country as he would normally, Jackie admits money has dried up fast for the business.

She says the lockdown means costs have also been reduced significantly and is hopeful Andy will be able to return to work as normal when social distancing restrictions are eased.

She added: "We're trying to stay as positive as we can.

"We're still able to pay the bills but we aren't sure what lies ahead and if we will get any support from the Government.

"I'm hoping we can get back up and running when it is safe to do so."