IT'S fun, fun, fun for Pendle popsters The Rubbish, who have enlisted cult comic Frank Sidebottom to help with their latest bid to turn music industry heads their way.

Bruce Thomas and the lads have been joined Frank - aka Chris Sievey - for the recording of their first video, for the single Bernard. Taken from the band's debut album Crazy Farmers, the wacky ballad is about the life of an unlikely hero who originates from the group's hometown of Nelson and features guest vocals from Sam Manville.

Bruce said: "It's the story of a guy whose life revolves around his home town.

"No matter how successful he is, Nelson is never far from his heart.

"Bernard 's a colourful character with a host of stories to share but his untimely end has adds a twist to the tale."

Chris Sievey, who plays Bernard, was bowled over when he heard the tune.

He said" "I was listening to it at home with my wife and my lad I was just grooving across the room to it."

Although Chris plays the role as himself, fans of his character Frank Sidebottom will not be disappointed.

He makes a cameo appearance in the closing scenes. The script was penned by Sarah Stephens, who turned her journalistic skills away from her day job at the Sport newspaper to join Stephen Rigg of Burnley's Unit Video, who directed and filmed the action.

The madcap antics of the lads feature them in make-up and mini skirts, heading back to school dressed as St Trinian's girls.

Not wanting to miss any of the action, the bands girlfriends and wives joined the fun during the classroom scene, which was filmed at a local school.

Although their light-hearted approach to life has made them popular, the band are deadly serious about being signed. Bruce said the finished video would be used as just another part of their promotional package, which they hope will bring them to the attention of the music industry.

Their next live appearance will be at Manchester's Night and Day cafe on April 21.

Anyone wanting tickets should contact Bruce on 0976 748465.

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