MORECAMBE hit the pop charts this week when record labelfaith and hope - whose head office is in the resort - released a single which went straight into the UK charts at number 15.

The single Don't Falter by Mint Royale, featuring Lauren Laverne, not only beat new releases by legends David Bowie and the Eurythmics - it's also big in Japan at number 25.

This week the phones have not stopped ringing at the label's head office overlooking Morecambe Bay and it's sure to get even busier following Mint Royale's appearance on Top of the Pops on Friday night.

faith and hope's David Wood and Roger Moorhouse had just flown back from an international gathering of record labels in Cannes when they heard the news. "The single was released while we were out there and we knew it was selling well when strangers started to walk up to us and shake our hands," said local lad, David Wood. "Only in our wildest dreams did we expect to get so high. The response has been amazing. They topped the bill at a New Musical Express show in London on Saturday night and three companies from South Africa flew in especially to see the gig. We've already managed to sign Mint Royale to labels in Italy, Japan and Australia and with the likes of Fatboy Slim and Boy George raving about them the future looks bright."

Mint Royale, also known as Neil Claxton and Chris Baker, are best described as a big beat pop act and while delighting cheesy pop fans they can just as easily break beats to pack the dancefloor.

"Neil has had a hand in four UK number ones, the latest being Tequila by Terrorvision, and he's worked with the likes of the Stone Roses, Boyzone and East 17," explained David. "This is our first stand alone single and we're all busy promoting it and the new album On The Ropes. We've also got two other bands Alpinestars and Subaqwa to look after as well so there's no rest. All that faith and hope looks like it's paying off and our success is also great for Morecambe."

You can check out what Mint Royale are up to on the website www.faith-and-hope.co.uk and don't forget to watch out for them on Top of the Pops on Friday night.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.