WORLDS collide in the Soul Convicts captivating sound.

An invigorating fusion of brass, melodies and disco pop, these funk soul brothers and sisters from Darwen are kicking up a mighty storm on the live circuit.

"It started out as a bit of fun eighteen months ago, and it has become quite serious," said lead vocalist Danny Finn.

"It is very exciting.

"You never know where it might lead because it astounds me to think how far we've come in that time."

Dan's voice cuts through the bright driving beats of spattered horns and brass and the band is packed full of local talent.

Alto Sax player Paddy Higginson is a music teacher in Blackburn, while soul sisters Lindsey Middleton and Liz Nightingale fill out the horn section with their zest and verve.

Guitarist Curtis Gould is a graduate of Blackburn College - while sparking keyboardist Neil Cannings brings a wonderfully funky vibe to proceedings for this talented ten piece.

"They are a great bunch, and it feels like a family because we are so close," said Dan who used to sing with Blackburn band Tao.

"I've loved singing since I was a little boy, and when we play those great tunes by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, James Brown and the Four Tops, we come alive to make people dance.

Dan added: "Some of the group have worked with the best in the business, like Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey."

Soul Convicts deliver a mix of classic Motown hits and modern songs and their stunning set, headlining the Darwen Library Theatre stage at Darwen Live, provided one of the festival highlights.

Now they are busy writing original material of their own ahead of a special show at Turf Moor on September 26 in aid of the Gail Simpson Memorial Fund.

Gail died from cancer last year and husband Alan and daughters Laura and Hannah have already raised £35,000 for Pendleside Hospice, and in her memory.

"When Alan approached us to do the show we already had a booking on the same evening at the Eagle at Sawley," explained Dan.

"We really wanted to be part of what Alan was doing in his wife's memory and for the hospice who do such brilliant work, so we had to do a bit of head scratching on how we'd do two shows in three hours at different venues.

"Anyway, we timed how long it would take to safely drive from Sawley to Turf Moor, and when we completed the route we managed it with a couple of minutes to spare.

"We will be flying by the seat of our pants, but it is a cause close to our heart and we want to try and help raise as much money as possible."

The Soul Convicts, Gail Simpson Memorial Fund, Turf Moor, September 26. www.justgiving.com/gailsimpson