THEY are the vocal group who captured the viewers' heart when they stormed to victory in the BBC's Naked Choir competition in October last year.

And now The Sons of Pitches are heading out on the road for their first major tour, including a date at Preston Guild Hall later this month.

"We're absolutely chuffed at the response to the tour," said founder member Joe Belsham. "Half the venues have already sold out and all the other are doing really well.

"Of course a lot of it is down to the Naked Choir. It is so important to get that kind of exposure."

But now the pressure is on the six-strong acapella group to prove they can delight an audience for a full show rather than a limited slot on TV.

"Hopefully the shows will be a nice surprise for everyone who saw us on TV," said Joe.

"I think they can expect to hear some of the songs which we sang in the competition but there will be so much more to the live shows.

"We have worked really hard at putting this show together and we have introduced a lot of different styles."

Although newcomers to the touring scene, the group started out at university around six year ago..

"Different members have come in and out since then" said Joe, "and that vocally affects the songs that we do, but we have around three years of material to choose dip into.

"It is very important to get a show that flows properly and that there are moments of humour and some more serious songs."

One of the benefits of being so closely involved in every aspect of the show is that the group has become even tighter.

"We are much more closer knit as a result," said Joe.

With their extraordinary harmonies and beat boxing abilities, The Sons of Pitches were comprehensive winners of the BBC's search to find the nation's top choir.

"We can't wait to get out on the road and to give audiences the full range of what we can do," said Joe.

As an acapella group, the physical demands placed on all six members by the 26-date tour are considerable.

"There won't be any late night kebabs for us that's for sure," said Joe. "We have to look after our voices but it's only like being a sportsman. You are using your muscles and have to take care. So we drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep and make sure that we do proper warm up exercises."

As well as preparing for the tour, The Sons of Pitches have been using any spare time they may have to head into the studio to record an album which will be released in the autumn.

"Songs from the album will definitely appear in the show," said Joe.

The group have also been busy working on their own original material as well as the inspired cover versions which made their name.

"There will be three original songs on the tour," said Joe.

"We are intentionally introducing the original material slowly as we are fully aware that the covers are what the fans are coming along to hear.

"But we'd like to think that some time in the future we could put out an album of wholly original songs."

The Sons of Pitches, Preston Charter Theatre, Sunday, May 15. Details from 01772 804444.