CAROLINE INNES speaks to emerging boy-band D-Rail about ambition, future pop stardom and the decision to postpone the release of their first single. . .

IT HAS been six months in the making, the lyrics have been written, the clothes and hair have been styled and the video has been shot.

However, East Lancashire boy-band D-Rail have decided to postpone the release of their debut single, which was tipped to be a Christmas number one, until January 2005 . . . because they said they didn't want to compete with Band Aid 20's Feed The World.

Band member Rob Sharples, 20, of Crosby Close, Darwen, said: "Proceeds from the sale of our single will go to Cancer Research so we didn't think it was right to have two charity songs competing for sales over Christmas.

"We didn't want to take sales or detract from anything that Band Aid 20 were doing so we have put the release date back -- our number one can wait!"

The single, How Do I Say Goodbye?, on Eclipse Records, is far removed from the up-tempo poppy style the band have adopted as their own.

The ballad is a real tear jerker, made even more heart-rending by the fact the proceeds will go to charity.

It could be the right tug on the heart strings to launch the group into pop stardom and if self-belief is a guarantee of success then Rob and fellow band mates Chris Trolley, 19, and Matt Bevan, 21, should go far.

Chris said: "I know there are a lot of boy bands out there but we are fresh and unique.

"We are always asked who we would compare ourselves to but there isn't anyone quite like D-Rail -- in fact, I think people will soon be comparing themselves to us."

"I know we probably come across as big-headed but we have confidence in our ability and love just to get up on stage and work it."

The boys certainly have the boy-next-door good looks and choreographed dance routines that drive teenage girls wild and have already supported acts such as Westlife, Peter Andre and the Cheeky Girls. But what is more difficult to see is the X-factor that will distinguish them from every other boy band that has gone before.

Chris added: "Our sound is an individual fusion of pop, trance, dance and a bit of R'n'B and I think we differ from other bands because we have our own input into projects and our careers. We all also have unique characteristics and personalities which appeal to a wider audience than the norm and have all been singing since we were young.

"Even if I say so myself, we are pretty good and I think when people see what D-Rail have got to offer they will be blown away."

The Single, How Do I Say Goodbye?, will be released on January 10. For more information on where to catch the boys visit www.d-railworld.com