In the charts

Twenty-two-years-old Ross Millard, singer and guitarist with The Futureheads, is the son of former Leigh St Mary's High School, Astley, student Tony Millard, also known as Tommy.

The group's latest CD single "Hounds of Love" is just five places behind the world's most famous Hounddog, Elvis, at number three.

Tony, one of eight children, who moved to Sunderland when he married wife, Liz, now works in car manufacturing in the north east and both are proud of their son's success.

He said: "We are very proud, over the moon".

Ross joined the band, after gaining an English Literature degree, through the Sunderland City Detached Youth project and they released their debut single in late 2002 and followed up with two more in 2003 on the Plastic Fantastic label.

An album The Futureheads was released last year and the band, whose style is described as Indie Rock, are at present on tour conquering America.

A family member who wishes to remain anonymous said: "If all the family around here know Ross is in the charts we could perhaps help push him up to number 1."