A SOUTHEND music promoter is being threatened with legal action by Sixties star Helen Shapiro and other musicians who claim they are owed thousands of pounds in unpaid royalties.

Barry Collings says he has done nothing wrong and claims he has offered to pay Ms Shapiro, most famous for her 1961 No 1 hit Walking Back to Happiness.

Ms Shapiro and other artists claim promoter Barry Collings, of Clifftown Road, Southend, licensed out recordings of their songs for a "golden oldies" compilation CD without their knowledge or permission.

They allege no royalties have been paid to them.

The performers threatening legal action alongside Ms Shapiro include Essex-based jazz trumpeter Kenny Ball and Ray Ennis of the Swinging Blue Jeans.

The others are singers Clodagh Rogers, Danny Williams, Tommy Bruce, Billie Davis and Ronnie Carroll.