SMILE! You could be representing the UK in May's Eurovision Song Contest. For ex-Bury man Ashley Best has co-written one of eight songs shortlisted for Britain's entry to the colourful event in Latvia on May 24.

The song Smile was composed by ex-Broad Oak High School pupil Ashley and fellow writer Sam Roberts, who make up pop band Gallico.

Ashley (27), used to live in Rochdale Road, Bury, and attended East Ward primary and Broad Oak, and played soccer for Roach Dynamos. He left with his family for Wales when aged 14 and now lives and works in Chester.

He said: " Smile was written in 1999 for a friend of ours as a gift. Somehow, a producer in London, Jono Buchannan, got to hear it and remixed it with a more modern sound.

"Upon hearing the remix, Sam and I decided instantly it was perfect for the Eurovision Song Contest, and the rest is history."

All eight UK entries will be played next week on Radio Two's Terry Wogan and Ken Bruce shows.

The shortlist will be then whittled down to four following a nationwide vote before the winning song is chosen following the televised British finals sometime in March.