BY day they are six very successful local businessmen, but by night they are one of north Essex’s most enduring rock groups.

For the last 20 years, the Poachers have helped raise more than £100,000 for charity and their latest mission is to help local Rotarians raise funds for a pupils’ garden project at their old school on Mersea Island.

The line-up for this weekend’s gig will be Tony Smith on bass guitar; Richard Taylor on keyboards; Derek Hollick on drums; frontman Eric Hames, Trevor Cook on lead guitar and Steve Conway on rhythm guitar.

The original Poachers of Richard Taylor, Eric Hames, Tony Smith and Steve Conway, formed in 1964.

Richard recalled: “We were tearaways who had just left school. We played guitar all night; just messing about, but then we decided to get together and buy some instruments.

“When we felt good enough, we painted an old Bedford van and appeared at local US Air Force bases. They were good times. The bases were almost like going to America – and they liked us.”

At one time the Poachers played on stage alongside such names as Billy J Kramer and St Louis Union Blues; and they auditioned at The Marquee Club in Soho, London, playing with Dave D, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Titch.

Richard continued: “Rock’s always coming back and maybe our success is because we are the right age for the music. We were there at the start.”

Mersea’s Rotarians are helping the island’s school create a series of three science gardens, linked by paths, where children can work in an outdoor environment.

The Poachers play at Waldegraves Holiday Park, Mersea Island on Saturday, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 adults, £7.50 children, £32 for a family ticket. Call 01206 385858