FOUR piece the Wire Monkeys are causing sparks in Manchester -- and have achieved one of their ambitions within a year of forming.

The group, from Rishton, took the stage of the Roadhouse in Manchester, snapping up a prestigious Friday night slot.

Playing their unique brand of indie-rock they won over what can be a critical crowd, and this has resulted in the group heading into the studio to put down some quality tracks for a demo.

The group, made up of lead vocalist Oliver Przybysz, guitarist James Ellell, his brother Joe on drums and bass player Simon Darwin , are now hoping to grab other gigs in the city.

Oliver said: "One of our ambitions was to play the Roadhouse and we are really pleased that we have done that already. It was a great night and we are really proud to have done it.

"It was incredible to be in front of an audience like that."

The group has evolved since it was first formed about a year ago.

Their name reflects the fact the two founder members, Oliver and James, used to be electrician apprentices, often referred to by fully-qualified electricians as wire monkeys. Oliver is now hoping the band will get their name known throughout the area.

He said: "We have done quite a lot locally, including appearing in Corporation Park, Blackburn, in the summer and have played at the Cellar Bar in town.

"We have also played at the Albion in Clayton-le-Moors. We get more confident each time we play."

The fact three of the four members are also songwriters means the band have a diverse set to offer.

Oliver said: "Our influences come from various people because we all have different tastes.

"Noel Gallagher, Lennon, McCartney and the Smashing Pumpkins are all in there.

"Our next aim is get into the studio and record some studio quality stuff which we can send out for demos.

"Hopefully, we will have some more gigs in Manchester lined up soon."

Phat's the way to help NY victims DANCE superstars Phats and Small head to Burnley this weekend to give their support to a fundraiser for those affected by the New York disasters.

The DJ duo, made up of Russell Small and Jason Phats, are appearing at the Ironworks nightclub in Hammerton Street as part of the special event for the Twin Towers appeal.

The main event of the evening is a fashion show which is being supported by dozens of shops across Burnley.

Around 1,000 people are expected to attend the event, one of the biggest staged in East Lancashire so far for the appeal.

Manager of the club, Geraldine Young said: "We are delighted that so many people are working with us.

"We are pleased to have Phats and Small here."

The duo have become perennial favourites in Ibiza, winning over fans with their double act, which involves mixing across three turntables, often using a popular loop to define their mutant disco/house style.

Chart-topping hits includes This Time Around, Feel Good and Turn Around.

They were one of several dance artists to perform at Ewood Park's Feel the Noise gig.