A BAND who thought a road accident had dashed their chances of battling for a slot at a benefit concert this week have been given a second chance - and say they are raring to go.

Hyndburn group Flux had been set to play a battle of the bands at Blakey's Cafe Bar in Blackburn last Thursday but had to pull out when guitarist Martin Crabtree was involved in a road accident on his way to the venue.

The winners of the gig - Blackburn band The Burn - won the right to play alongside four of East Lancashire's brightest bands at a benefit gig this Friday.

Blackburn rock and dance six-piece Bigfluff, alternative Pendle girl band Earl, Colne crossover act Gecho and Preston four-piece Poindexter are among the acts set to play the Windsor Suite, at King George's Hall, Blackburn, on Friday.

The Burn won their spot on the bill after they stepped in at the last minute to replace Lancashire pop rockers Slim last Thursday.

Friday's event, dubbed the Red Brick Rock Night, is a benefit concert to raise money for the Red Brick Theatre, in Bolton Road, Blackburn.

Flux thought they had missed out after Martin's accident, which happened at Whitebirk, Blackburn, as he travelled from his home in Rishton.

But at the end of the battle of the bands, the organisers gave Flux a boost by announcing they would be given a short slot on the big night. Martin told Pulse: "I was a bit shocked by the accident and I had whiplash. My car has been damaged too but I'm OK and I'll be all right to play on Friday.

"It's great that the organisers have given us a chance to play because some of the best bands in Lancashire will be playing."

The Red Brick Theatre Trust Appeal has raised tens of thousands of pounds and hopes to get lottery grant support to restore and re-open the theatre, as well as create a visitor centre there. Tickets for the event cost £5 and the show starts at 8.30pm.

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