FRUSTRATED by the inadequacies of organised tours to Holland and Germany in the past few years Astley Youth Band have decided to go it alone for 2004 -- in the French Alps.

Big audiences are predicted for next July's week long, four concert tour based at Alpe d'Huez near Grenoble. Three concerts will be outdoors at Alpe d'Huez, in the nearby village of Allemont and in the gardens of the Chateau de Vizille. The fourth concert, which will be held in the church of Notre Dame des Neiges.

Free sports and leisure facilities and a pre-concert picnic at Allemont are some of the benefits the band will enjoy courtesy of their French hosts.