Westhoughton looks set to find a place in rock and roll history thanks to a five-piece band taking the North-west by storm.

Aura4 have built up a formidable reputation over the past 12 months after playing in venues such as The music Box and Roadhouse in Manchester.

The band got together after vocalist Dale Scott met drummer Stuart Cheetham and bass guitar player Mike Holley at John Moores University in Liverpool.

Dale enrolled the help of his younger brother, Ian Scott, on lead guitar and his Westhoughton pal Damien Riley to play the Hammond organ.

Drummer Stuart now remains the only Westhoughton outsider, with bassist Mike having moved there to make life easier for rehearsals.

The band are determined to not be pigeon-holed, but their music has been described as bordering on Indie-rock with a hint of funk and the unique Hammond organ sound.

Aura4 avoid cover versions and have already amassed a decent collection of about 30 tracks.

All five of them contribute to the melting-pot of music and lyrics, but Dale often takes the lead in writing the words.

He said: "We all have totally different influences and that can be heard in the music, but we get together, start playing chords and it goes from there.

"I often write the words, but they tend to come after the music."

The band would only be too delighted to play in Bolton, but are disappointed live music venues seem to have lost popularity over the past few years.

Dale, who is the oldest band member at the age of 26, said: "It seems to be changing again now, but the influence of all the boy and girl bands has stopped people from going to see live bands whereas ten years ago if you went out it was often to see a live band in Manchester.

"We're not knocking bands like Steps because they provide entertainment for a certain age group, but they call themselves musicians when they're not.''

The band is determined to secure a gig in London before the end of the year and aim to be the best.

Lead guitarist Ian said: "By the end of this year I want us to be recognised as the best unsigned band around."

Aura4 are also looking for professional management and eventually hope to sign a record deal.

Manchester television company Channel M has taken an interest in the band and several record companies have expressed an interest.

Catch the band live at Night and Day cafe in Oldham Street, Manchester, on Tuesday or at the Picket in Liverpool next Friday.

Or find out more about Aura4 at their website address, aura4@yahoo.com

The lads have offered to treat 10 BEN readers to free admission to their gig on Tuesday.

Simply turn up between 8pm and 8.30pm saying you have read the article on them in the BEN and tickets will be yours.