ACCRINGTON mod band The Itch are about to celebrate a decade together.

And with new material in the pipeline, the trio are set to return to the studio with an old friend.

Formed originally as a four-piece, when brothers Colin and Dave Benmore teamed-up with Mark Griffiths and Pat Gallagher, the lads quickly built up a following for their retro sounds.

Playing a mixture of covers with their own original material and performing at scooter rallies across the UK, over the years their following has grown in both numbers and loyalty.

After releasing their debut album Avenue Parade, the quartet were also championed by veteran Radio One DJ John Peel, who praised their single Wigan To Brighton.

But when singer Pat Gallagher decided to call it a day just over a year ago, the band's future hung in the balance.

After an unsuccessful search for a replacement, bassist Mark Griffiths took on the extra duties, giving the evergreen outfit a new lease of life.

Guitarist Colin said: "After only a week rehearsing Mark was doing a scooter rally, which was brilliant.

"Even though we've been playing together for so long, I still look forward to rehearsing every week and enjoy it as much as when we first started."

Still popular on the live circuit, the lads returned to the studio earlier this year to demo some new songs. But although the demos were, in their own words, "a bit rough," they sent them out and were delighted when two record labels got back in touch.

With both Detour and Cherry Red records interested in releasing the original material, they've decided to return to Whitworth's Studio Studio and finish the songs with former Secret Affair frontman Ian Page. Having already worked with Ian when they covered the Secret Affair hit Time for Action, the band felt the time was right to renew the acquaintance.

Colin said: "It's going to be good to have Ian's expertise in the studio. As well as vocals he also plays trumpet, saxophone and keyboards so he's a pretty accomplished musician."

Reflecting on the past 10 years, Colin also revealed that the band were planning a special show early next year to celebrate their anniversary.

Before then, fans of The Itch can catch them when they play at the Queen's, in Accrington, tonight and at the Cellar Bar, Blackburn, on Saturday, December 14. Admission to both gigs is free.