A PAIR of dance music-mad former Preston College students have clinched a record deal and are aiming for international stardom.

Leo Stones, 22, and his friend 20-year-old Ben Booker met when they studied music technology at the Fulwood college.

Now just a few years down the line, their dance act Kush is set to hit the nation's clubs after they signed with ambitious new record label HS.ZERO.

Pianists Ben and Leo have strummed up masses of musical technology experience - and have the qualifications to prove it.

Glen Woodroffe, of HS.ZERO music, said: "The North West has always been the centre of new musical talent. Kush have the potential to break through because of their outstanding talent.

"They have expertise in music production and creating appealing music, complemented by a live stage performance.

"It's taken a lot of hard work to get Kush to this stage but I believe they're going to be huge. If I didn't I wouldn't have signed them!"

HS.ZERO, which is based near Chorley, has already received queries from bigger record companies interested in the band's material.

At present Kush, who released a limited edition CD in the summer to stir up interest, are working on mixes for their first single to release next year.

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