OUTSPOKEN East Lancashire band Tessem have the driving ambition to make the grade but are in desperate need of a manager to steer them to the top.

Formed just over two years ago, the five-piece of Mick Hadfield, Zoltan Domokos, Vince Goodey, Andrew Cookson and Jim Leigh, have mapped out a course for their future.

But it hasn't always been easy. After going having numerous drummers come and go, it wasn't until Zoltan answered an ad in a music shop window that the backbone of the band was put in place.

And since guitarist Vince Goody met lead singer Mick on a motorbike driving course, there has been no looking back for the likeable band.

Now based in Whalley, they've have been locked away recording their self-financed debut album.

Doubling up as an ideal sampler for prospective record labels, their uplifting, bright pop sounds draw comparisons to the Housemartins.

And with a deep well of catchy tunes to draw from, the band feel the time is right to bring someone in to look after the business side of things.

Lead singer Mick said: "We've reached a crossroads now. Musically we've developed our own style and we've got the songs to back that up. I can sell the band to anyone but it's got to the point where I don't know who to sell it to. We need someone with the right contacts and know-how to help move us on."

Having become established in local venues the singer has become disillusioned with trying to get gigs out of town.

He said: "I've spoken to a lot of venues and it's as though they are not bothered what you sound like as long as you bring a few fans along. It's like paying to play but that's not what we're about."

He added: "We're a pop group and proud of it but we wouldn't want our name mentioned in the same breath as Gareth Gates. But it just seems there are loads of young hate/punk bands out there that just don't last. Our music is for listening to not just jumping to."