DRINKERS at a pub in Colne believed they were famous pop stars and took to talking to inanimate objects -- but this time it was not the alcohol talking.

The ten customers at the Shepherds Arms pub, in Church Street, were under the hypnotic spell of Colne entertainer Mark Storey and knew nothing about it.

A self-taught hypnotherapist, Mark was invited to hold an evening of stage hypnosis -- an event which was banned in Pendle until two years ago -- after appearing at the pub for private functions on several occasions.

Mark was one of 14 volunteers to take part in the first stage hypnosis at Colne Municipal Hall after the ban was lifted in 1998-- but dropped out from the act after he came round from his trance.

His own event this week gave him an opportunity to carry out scientific research into people's behaviour.

Jonathan Tyreman, manager of the pub, said: "It was a full pub with about 100 people watching. He'll definitely be coming back again."