THREE East Lancashire bands will throw their hats into the political arena next month, when they play a benefit gig for the Anti Nazi League.

Held at Burnley's Mechanics, the special event will be headlined by local favourites The Milltown Brothers, with support from Jobe and Tessem.

Having reformed with the original line-up of Matthew and Simon Nelson, Barney Williams, James Fraser and Nian Brindle, the lads have also donated an exclusive track to the ANL for release later in the year.

And the band, who penned hit singles Which Way Should I Jump, Here I Stand,and Apple Green, along with the title music for the TV series The Preston Front, are delighted to doing their bit for the cause.

Simon said: "With everything that's gone on in Burnley, we definitely wanted to be involved. It's common sense not to be racist. So we're taking our lead from the likes of Burnley Football Club, who've been working at kicking racism out of football."

Looking to recapture the form that made them a household name in the early '90s, this also will be the first airing of their latest work.

But alongside the new material the band have also promised to play all the hits.

Simon added: "We'll definitely be doing the Slinky singles, along with a couple of the other tunes from that time. And then we'll be throwing some of the new tunes into the mix as well."

Ribble Valley boys Jobe had no doubts about mixing politics with their music but are determined to keep the evening's entertainment upbeat.

Lead guitarist Rob Williams said: "We want the whole night to be something really positive, with everyone coming together for the the love of the music but also to support a cause we all believe in."

Hailing from Clitheroe and now based in Manchester, the quartet felt they couldn't ignore the political landscape taking shape in East Lancashire.

Rob said: "For us, being in a band is about petty arguments, having a laugh and getting a bit drunk together. But every so often something comes along that's a bit more serious. When the BNP said they were standing in our hometown, it was something we didn't want to be associated with and that's why we had to be involved."

With a growing reputation for their guitar pop, inspired by the likes of James and New Order, the band will not be changing their set list.

Rob said: "We won't be doing any preaching or blatant cover versions but, with the stalls and information available, hopefully people will take on board what the evening is all about."

New band Tessem have been planning to get involved with the ANL for sometime and this will be the first of several events they will doing.

Mike said: "Having lived and worked around here all my life, it seems to have taken everyone by surprise the BNP getting in and it's time we stood up for what we believe in. "

And putting the bands on the town's centre stage will give the artists a perfect chance to show off their full potential.

Mike said: "It great to be getting the band on the bigger stage. Playing the pubs and clubs is our bread and butter but it's always like us taking the music to the people, whereas this gig will be all about the people coming to the music."

The show takes place at Burnley Mechanics on Friday April 4. Tickets from the box office on 01282 664400.