LEGENDARY Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward has sent a good luck message to West Cumbrian rock band Necromandus ahead of their first live show for more than 40 years.

Writing from his home in Los Angeles, the veteran musician - who was a founder member of the world-renowned heavy metal band - wrote: "To Necromandus and all who made the new album possible, congratulations.

"To the fans of Necromandus, I wish you well and have to say I’m envious of you as I will miss the live show, I hope you all have a great time.

"I’ve got my copy of the new album and I enjoy listening to the tracks. Some of my favourites are Hymn To Her, Don’t Look Down Frank and the brilliant Borderlands.

"Rock Forever Cumbria, Forever and Ever!

"Love, Bill Ward."

Ward and his fellow bandmate Tony Iommi lived in Carlisle for a short time before moving back home to the Midlands shortly before Black Sabbath found worldwide success.

During their time in Cumbria, Iommi managed Necromandus , and the Whitehaven outfit's first gig came as a support act for Black Sabbath.

The only remaining member of the band, Frank Hall, recently reformed the band with an entire new line-up, recording a new album, and now returning to the live arena this Friday with an appearance at Whitehaven's Civic Hall .

Frank says: "We are doing this gig in Whitehaven for our loyal local fans and the memory of my mates in the band, Baz, Billy and Dennis - the night is dedicated to them”.

Tickets for Friday's show are available from the Civic Hall, and support comes from Hammerhead frontman Buzz Elliott and local band Heartbreak Remedy.