GROWING up in the 1980s, Ian Parker was one of a minority.

He explained: "I started to play guitar when I was 12, but at that time there weren't many kids interested in playing the blues.

"In recent years, however, there's been a resurgence. A lot more teenagers have become interested."

Now 26, the Ian Parker Band finds it has a lot of young people among its ranks of fans.

Known in previous years as Parker's Alibi the band, now with a slightly different line-up, has been a regular feature at the Colne Blues Festival for over five years.

Today, the four-piece band consists of Ian on vocals and guitar, Andy Edwards on drums, Steve Armadeo on bass and Morg Morgan on keyboards.

Ian said: "We missed last year's festival, which was a real shame. We really noticed not being there. It's just become an annual event.

"There's a lovely atmosphere there. The streets are full of people - blues fans from all over the country who congregate there."

Catch the Ian Parker Band at 5.30pm on Saturday on the international stage.