A CHART-topping singer has been recording for his latest album in East Lancashire.

Former Blue singer Simon Webbe spent Thursday and Friday in Colne laying down five tracks which he is hoping to put on his latest album.

Simon, who has had a successful solo career with top 10 hits after leaving boy band Blue, was recording at Modern English recording studios, off Albert Road.

And he is now considering filming a music video in the town if any of the songs are used as singles.

Simon gave the recording equipment to the studio which is owned by his business partner Bruce Thomas.

The studio is run by Christian Madden and Nicky Madden, two members of Burnley indie band The Earlies who played Glastonbury's main stage last year. They also wrote some of the songs for Simon.

Simon said: "Bruce has been my business partner for a long while and he suggested coming to Colne to record the tracks.

"The Earlies have a fantastic sound which is unique and I thought it was a great idea when Bruce suggested using some of the songs they had written for the next album.

"I'm from Manchester and really wanted the new album to be a return to my northern roots, working with northern bands and recording here in Colne should help the album get that feeling.

"I have not decided on the name of the new album yet.

"I've got a few ideas floating around but I'll decide after all the songs have been selected.

"It will have an earthy, live sound, I don't like all this music which is too clean sounding.

"Here in the studio we have a mic which is from 1939.

"Singing into that will give the songs a crackly, older sound."

Simon has visited Colne and Burnley before and said that he enjoyed coming to smaller towns.

He said: "I enjoy coming to Colne.

"It is fantastic to come to a recording studio where I can relax and not have to worry about being in a studio where the equipment costs millions.

"The people here are also really friendly but at the same time I can walk around in peace.

"It has been a flying visit. I have spent the whole time recording in the studio but it would be nice to see more of the area.

"I have friends in the town and have been to barbecues here and to The Hippodrome to hear local talent, but it would be nice to visit Pendle Hill.

"I like all the superstition and history that surrounds it."

Christian Madden said: "We are spending most of our time at the moment in the studio recording songs and working on projects with other artists like this one.

"We are hoping to attract more big name artists to Colne to record but we are also interested in getting local talent into the studio to record."