SOME of the country's top bands including the Arctic Monkeys and Idlewild have been quietly heading to Blackburn College to record their future hits.

And college students have been helping them head for chart success.

Blackburn College has launched a new media centre to train up its students in recording techniques, photography and graphic design.

Scottish rockers Idlewild were at the college last week, indie favourites the Arctic Monkeys dropped in earlier this year and former Ash singer and guitarist Charlotte Hatherley is set to visit next month.

The scheme allows bands to record their music, make videos and DVDs, and have press shots taken - all for a fraction of the price other recording studios would charge.

It costs £500 for the entire package, which also includes graphic desgns on album covers for bands on a record label.

It was originally designed for students' work experience, but the college is now being flooded with requests from professional bands wanting to use it.

Rod Jones the guitar player with Idlewild, whose hits include You Held the World in Your Arms' and American English', said: "We've come to record five songs and have our pictures taken.

"It's different to playing with a crowd and it feels like a rehearsal, but it's always fun to play."

Photography students Danny Harrison and Tom Ridding were among those who worked with the band during their visit last week, including taking some press shots of the band in King Georges hall.

Next month will see Charlotte Hatherley, formerly of Ash, head to the studio for work on her solo album.

Jamie Holman, Video tutor at Blackburn College, said: It's a great offer, the package elsewhere would cost £1000. The money we get is invested for the students.'