FOR the past four years, the band "The Woodmen", has been playing in pubs and busking in Devon.

The band plays a range of music with folk, bluegrass and country Americana influences. Band members play fast, with lots of energy, vibrant rhythms and tight harmonies.

One of the band’s stand out cover songs is the folk song, “Wagon Wheel”, co-written by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor of the Old Crow Medicine Show.

"Shobrooke Moon", the band’s debut album marks a celebration for the band.

In June 2017, one week after a gig in a barn, Pete Mason, the lead singer, became very ill and was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Thanks to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Pete made a good recovery and is now having targeted chemotherapy.

During his recovery period the band started recording some of Pete’s songs.

Pete said: "I was very honoured that the band felt that the songs were good enough and the project became a lifeline to help me come to terms with this difficult stage of my life.”

"Shobrooke Moon" is a collection of 14 original songs inspired by the Devon countryside with some amusing observations on village life.

It also holds some powerful messages reflecting on the futility of the Iraq war and the importance of living each day to the full.

"Shobrooke Moon", the title of the album, takes its name from a slow ballad song that was inspired by the spectacular moons we see in the night sky around the village of Shobrooke.

Overall, the band members say the album is fun, inspiring and hopeful.

It also has a bonus track of the classic song "Wagon Wheel".

Alongside Pete Mason, the band consists of four experienced local musicians who bring their talent and skills to create a special sound: John Downes, on guitar, banjo and vocals. Steve Ewart, on bass and vocals. Leslie Hampson, on drums, cajon, bodhran and vocals. Stuart Toms, electric guitar, mandolin, and musical saw. They are also joined by a special guest violin player, Joy Moore, who plays in the UK and Canada.

John Downes explained: "So many people have helped us to make this project work and it is a real community effort.

"The album was recorded and mixed by Duncan Chave, at the Sound Gallery Studios in Exeter.

"The band then teamed up with Nick Halliwell, from Occultation Recordings, who mastered the album. The impressive artwork was done by Chris Darvill."

The band members have agreed that they wanted to do something to thank the NHS and local cancer charities and will give all profits from the sale of the album to FORCE and Hospiscare in Exeter.

The CD launch party will be held on Friday, May 4, at the Buccaneers Bar, East Street, Crediton. Tickets are priced at £5 on the door and advanced reservations can be made on 07981 811729.

Doors open at 8pm. Other band charity gigs are planned throughout the year.

Pete said: "I hope that the songs will be enjoyed and inspire others, but most of all I want to thank the Woodmen Family collective for helping me achieve my dream.”

To buy a copy of the CD (priced £10), call 07981 811729, or message via "Facebook" @thewoodmenfamily .

CD’s are also available to buy from The Red Lion Inn in Shobrooke and soon from selected local shops in Crediton.