TKO'S bid for pop stardom is set to be boosted by the same talent that helped singer George Michael become a superstar.

Jules De-Martino, a member of the former Wham star's songwriting team, has penned four songs for the Leigh-based musical trio.

The tunes will be performed live for the first time at the Bolton Evening News's Pop Fever concert at the Albert Halls on April 11.

Ssingers Katie White, Emma Lally, both 18, and Katy Malloy, 21, are hopeful the songs will help them to secure a lucrative record contract.

According to Katy, the band's fortunes are continuing to go from strength to strength following high profile support gigs for super-bands Steps and Five.

She said: "We've changed our musical direction a little. There's a bit more maturity about our act that sets us apart from the rest of the chart bands.

"We now have a more guitar-based sound which harks back to the 1960s. It's an exciting time for us."

The band will record the songs in a London studio later this month. The three girls have also been asked to appear at the Farm Aid gig in London's Earls Court.

Emma said: "The gig in Bolton is a big one for us because it's a homecoming concert. We're hoping to raise lots of money for breast cancer charity which, as girls, we feel very strongly about."

TKO's debut single, Girlfriend, was sold solely on the Internet and was snapped up by a staggering 5,800 fans -- enough to have given it a Top 40 position.

The next release, however, will be sold through the shops. Katie said: "We've built up a very solid fan base now and the next logical step is a full, commercial release.

"We can't wait to play in Bolton -- it's going to be very special."

Pop Fever, which is sponsored by Scan Computers, is being headlined by chart-toppers Point Break and will raise money for the BEN's Bolton Busting Breast Cancer Campaign.

Royle Family star Andrew Whyment will also perform with his band Notion. R&B singer Tarjah and boy band Tha Cartel complete the line-up. COMPETITION WE have FIVE copies of TKO's debut single, Girlfriend, to give away, each one SIGNED by each member of the band.

To get your hands on one of the CDs just answer this simple question: Name TKO's three band members.

Send your entries to: TKO Competition, c/o David Crookes, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE, before April 11. Normal BEN rules apply. How to get tickets TICKETS are available for £10 at the Albert Halls Box Office, Victoria Square, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Credit card bookings can be made by phone on 01204 334400. Meet the bands! MOST of the bands -- including TKO and Point Break -- have agreed to a post-show signing session. That means fans attending the gig will be able to MEET their band in person. But remember -- there are just 700 tickets available and they are selling quickly. TKO'S bid for pop stardom is set to be boosted by the same talent that helped singer George Michael become a superstar.

Jules De-Martino, a member of the former Wham star's songwriting team, has penned four songs for the Leigh-based musical trio.

The tunes will be performed live for the first time at the Bolton Evening News's Pop Fever concert at the Albert Halls on April 11.

Singers Katie White, Emma Lally, both 18, and Katy Malloy, 21, are hopeful the songs will help them to secure a lucrative record contract.

According to Katy, the band's fortunes are continuing to go from strength to strength following high profile support gigs for super-bands Steps and Five.

She said: "We've changed our musical direction a little. There's a bit more maturity about our act that sets us apart from the rest of the chart bands.

"We now have a more guitar-based sound which harks back to the 1960s. It's an exciting time for us."

The band will record the songs in a London studio later this month. The three girls have also been asked to appear at the Farm Aid gig in London's Earls Court.

Emma said: "The gig in Bolton is a big one for us because it's a homecoming concert. We're hoping to raise lots of money for breast cancer charity which, as girls, we feel very strongly about."

TKO's debut single, Girlfriend, was sold solely on the Internet and was snapped up by a staggering 5,800 fans -- enough to have given it a Top 40 position.

Special

The next release, however, will be sold through the shops. Katie said: "We've built up a very solid fan base now and the next logical step is a full, commercial release.

"We can't wait to play in Bolton -- it's going to be very special."

Pop Fever, which is sponsored by Scan Computers, is being headlined by chart-toppers Point Break and will raise money for the BEN's Bolton Busting Breast Cancer Campaign.

Royle Family star Andrew Whyment will also perform with his band Notion. R&B singer Tarjah and boy band Tha Cartel complete the line-up.