I wonder how many of our local clubs have be a sounding ground for stars of the future.

After the revelation that Popstars' winner Kym Marsh first belted out songs at Golborne Labour Club at the age of 10 I read this week that Russell "The Voice" Watson's operatic career started after a chance remark in Wigan Road Workingmen's Club.

The social secretary told him he had a cracking voice and asked if he ever tried any of that opera stuff. He reckoned "Nasty Doormat" Pavarotti's World Cup hit would be right up his street. He gave it a go, got a cracking reaction and started to weave more opera in to his club act.

The rest is history. Another Leigh claim to fame.