AMBITIOUS outfit Ten Stone Dead have this week signed a management and record deal with new indie label Streamline Records.

The five-piece Clayton-le-Moors guitar band -- Pete Norman, Rebecca Norman, John Briggs, Mick Bamford and Dan Pinder -- have agreed a one single release and an album deal with the company.

Formed in 1997, the label is part of Matchbox Records and until last year had specialised in compilation albums.

But with Ten Stone Dead among a batch of new bands being added to their roster, the company has spread its wings as it looks to develop some of the country's newest talents.

Lead singer Pete Norman said: "We'd had a few offers from other small labels but none had been right for the band. We wanted control of our music. And what we liked about this deal was they licence our music but we decide everything else."

With their first track, Sunflower, pencilled in for inclusion on a compilation album out in April, the band are preparing to return to the studio.

Pete revealed the group had set aside the next three months to write new material and demo as much as possible.

Returning to Darwen's Cue Two studios, where they have worked over the past 12 months the singer is buzzing with the group's progress.

He added: "It was important not to sell the band short. We're all really pleased with the deal."

Despite having to cancel some of their live commitments, TSD will still complete their own 15 date tour -- supported by Martin Simms of Burnley band Pretend Girlfriend -- and three dates with promising indie outfit Garlic.