TWO East Lancashire musicians are attempting to transform the area into a hot-bed of live music by organising a series of gigs at a Blackburn nightspot.

John Yates, a member of Crowbar Smile and Anthony Roberts, from Igwaana, have formed their own promotion company, Fuzzin Promotions, to bring bands to the Cellar Bar, King Street.

Starting with the first event this Thursday they hope to have up-and-coming talent performing at the gig, called Dwellers in the Cellar.

The pair, both 21 and from Read, are also hoping to boost the Burnley music scene by planning similar events at the Keirby Hotel. At the first event on Thursday, Accrington-based Hobo Chang, Blackburn band Missed Her Bliss and Manchester band Glass will be performing at the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm. Admission is £3 on the door.

Any band wanting to perform at Dwellers in the Cellar should send their demos to Fuzzin Promotions, 11 Beaufort Close, Read, Lancs BB12 7QF.

Charity benefits

THE Spread Eagle Hotel, Higher Ramsgreave Road, Blackburn, kicked off its partnership with a national children's charity last weekend - by washing customers' cars!

Staff at the Brewers Fayre restaurant raised £175 for Whizz-Kidz, which provides mobility equipment for disabled children, by washing over 50 cars last Sunday. A total of £375 has been raised by staff at the Spread Eagle.

Real ale joy!

BLACKBURN real ale fans can celebrate after a number of pubs started selling beers from a local micro-brewery. The Dog Inn, Revidge Road, is now selling real ale from Bowland Brewery. The beers brewed at Bashall Barn, three miles from Clitheroe, have also appeared at Intack and Knuzden Conservative Club.