IT'S a long way from Madchester to Accrington -- 25 miles and 15 years to be precise since Tom Hingley became lead singer for the Inspiral Carpets.

Along with the Stone Roses and the Happy Mondays they put the mad into Manchester's music scene in the late 80s and early 90s.

The Carpets recorded their last album, Devil Hopping, in 1994, and these days Hingley can be found playing up and down the land with his band, The Lovers.

Tomorrow night will bring their garage/punk sound to Accrington's King Street Pub as part of a series of events to be brought to the venue by Accrington record studio boss Paul Fox.

"Inspiral Carpets are not doing anything at the moment and there is nothing planned," said Hingley.

"Some of the band want to do more stuff but I think you can overdo things. We did 25 gigs last year. We came on after The Darkness on the main stage at Glastonbury, and thousands of people came to see us at Manchester Apollo."

Hingley formed The Lovers three years ago, with brothers Steve and Paul Hanley, formerly of The Fall, on bass and drums respectively; Kelly Wood on Farfisa organ and Jason Brown on guitar.

"We are very punky, a bit like the Stooges. We have got a new album coming out in June called Abba Are The Enemy. Nothing against Abba but it's time for something new rather than rehashing old stuff."

The Lovers will play King Street Pub, in Accrington, tomorrow. Details from the venue on 01254 233082.