THE Beatles may be long gone but few can deny their music lives on. And two young lads from Preston are determined to recapture the band's memorable music.

Brothers Philip and Eddy Gillespie, from Penwortham, have their hearts set on being top of the pops when they perform at one of the world's most popular musical events.

Philip, 12, and Eddy, nine, are busy rehearsing a string of Beatles' tracks in time for a gig at the Matthew Street Festival, in Liverpool, later this year.

Annually the musical fest' pulls in crowds of more than quarter-of-a-million and is packed with Beatles' fans from around the globe who make an annual pilgrimage to Liverpool to celebrate the band's music.

And the musical youngsters will tread the boards of their idols when they appear at the Cavern -- the backstreet club where the famous four performed to screaming fans during the 1960s. But before they go under the spotlight the boys are preparing for a slot at the Beatles Convention from August 23 to 28 -- an annual gathering of fans who come in their thousands to hear renditions of the former pop group's hits.

Both boys have been Beatles fans for as long as they can remember after being introduced to the group's music through their dad, Shaun, who hails from Everton in the city.

While Eddy play the drums and sings a Ringo Starr hit his brother plays guitar and also sings. At school Philip also performs in recorder and drum sessions and played the trumpet at Victoria Hall, in Hamley, near Stoke.

Philip said: "I love their music and enjoy performing their songs. When I'm older I want to go on to be a musician or work in a recording studio."

While Eddy is also hoping for a career in the music business he admits that he would prefer to play football for his number one team Everton.

He added: "If I can't get to play for Everton then I'll be a popstar like my brother."

Organiser of the events and owner of the Cavern, Bill Heckle, said: "Both lads have bags of talent. Who knows where they will be when they're older.

"They're one of four young bands appearing during Beatle Week and it's great that the youngsters still take such an interest in the Beatles."