EAST Lancashire has for many years been able to attract some of the top musical talent from across the world.

And after many years in the wilderness, there is now a serious bid to bring the focus back on the area.

Bosses at Level One nightclub have attracted big names like rap royalty Grandmaster Flash, who came to Accrington ahead of picking up a Grammy.

There has also been an appearance from superstar DJ Sash.

Now top US boyband Backstreet Boys are to hold the aftershow party of their big show at the Manchester Arena next month in Accrington.

The foursome are many years past their height in the 1990s when they had seven number one albums in the States, but are still a big draw and are on a world arena tour.

Many music aficionados remember the days of Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles playing the Nelson Imp and the Sex Pistols, the Clash and David Bowie coming to Blackburn.

There is such a passion for music in East Lancashire, which can be seen by the many music festivals held across the area every year.

And promoters should be praised for working hard to see top acts again coming to our local towns.