EXMOUTH S famous Shanty Men celebrated their second birthday this week; and in that time they have deservedly made their name as worthy ambassadors for Exmouth raising �10,000 for good causes.

EXMOUTH'S famous Shanty Men celebrated their second birthday this week; and in that time they have deservedly made their name as worthy ambassadors for Exmouth raising �10,000 for good causes.

And to celebrate they are performing in a very special concert at The Blackmore Theatre in support of Fair Trade Exmouth later this month.

Since 2007 they have played concerts all over the UK and Europe, releasing their debut album CD and being featured on BBC Radio 3's programme The Choir hosted by Aled Jones.

The 14-strong crew - who have a combined age of around 800 - includes Exmouth's Town Crier, Garth Gibson, the town clerk John Wokersien, a retired sea captain, consultants, lecturers, teachers, an aid worker and a host of other professionals.

Together they have not only entertained thousands of people with their unique brand of traditional sea songs, comedy and theatre, but they have also helped local good causes.

And 2009 looks set to be another ground breaking year with the release of their second album this spring, and many bookings for festivals and concerts.

"It has been an incredible voyage so far," says founder and Artistic Director, Martin John Nicholls.

"What began as a few blokes meeting in a local pub to sing some songs and have a few beers has become this phenomenon.

"The crew are in such demand, and they put everything into it - their costumes, their characters, their voices - everything is done with such gusto!

"We look out for each other and have become a community within the community. I am very proud of them."

To celebrate their 2nd birthday this week The Exmouth Shanty Men are appearing at The Blackmore Theatre in support of Fair Trade Exmouth on Tuesday February 24 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are �6 available from Exmouth Town Hall and BNatural in The Strand.