IN the Mercury spotlight this week is a genuine musical legend, fresh from a performance in Bridgwater - Wurzels frontman Tommy Banner.

Born in Edinburgh to Mary and Jack (a Major in the Royal Scots Regiment), Tommy spent childhood in Penicuik which I visit regularly to see my brother and his family and his best friend Jack Blaik and his family.

Went to school in Penicuik, Dalkeith and Edinburgh and left school with Highers (A levels) in English, Latin and Maths and Lowers (O levels) in French and Greek - a "proper clever dick".

Tommy played piano from age five and accordion from age nine. He turned down football trial for Raith Rovers because he was "waiting for Hearts to come along".

Started in showbusiness the day he left school, did it for seven years, then got a proper job as a cosmetics salesman, then played piano on the Union Castle Liners until 1967, when I was asked to join Adge Cutler and The Wurzels.

Then after Adge's tragic death in 1974 continued as The Wurzels with Pete Budd and we are still together to this day and long may our very successful partnership continue.

I now live in Taunton with my wife Chris and dog Bruno, with Kate and David having flown the nest although they both live locally with their respective partners, Paul and Katie.

Apart from Hogmanay, my favourite night of the year is Bridgwater Carnival - see you there on November 9 this year.

What is the best and worst thing about the place you live in?

I'm near to M5 for getting to gigs. The nearest Premiership football is in Birmingham or London.

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

Best: I absolutely love it. Worst: definitely the travelling because I hate motorways and traffic jams.

What was your ambition as a child?

To play football for Heart of Midlothian.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Having a Number One Hit record and managing with the help of others to keep The Wurzels and Wurzel music alive 40 years after it started.

What characteristic you dislike most in others and in yourself?

Others: selfishness and bad manners. Me: decision making. I can't!

What is your biggest fear?

Fire.

When and where were you happiest?

I have always tried to be happy because I can't see the point of waking up in the morning to be miserable. Life's too short for that and I have a lovely wife Chris, a great home life, a job I love doing and recently, Kate, our daughter and Paul, her partner, have just made us grandparents for the first time with the birth of Oliver, a real cracker.

What three items would you take to a desert island?

My wife Chris (well I've got to say that) a CD player and Billy Connolly CD.

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)?

Dawn French and Billy Connolly to make me laugh, Denis Law to talk football, and Tom Jones to sing to Chris.

How would you like to be remembered?

As having brought a little bit of enjoyment to others.