TAKE three members of a popular Blackpool rock outfit, add a room full of schoolchildren, "acoustic" them all together and what have you got?

The answer is, a twist on the traditional assembly.

Hodgson High pupils were entertained by three members of the group when they came to perform a special "unplugged" number as a preview to their full concert at the school on April 14.

The gig is part of a tour of local schools, all proceeds of which will go to the Red Marsh special school in Thornton which is trying to raise £450,000 for a new hydrotherapy pool.

The band have built up quite a name for themselves in the local music community, and have been runners up in a national competition to find talented new groups - they've even played at Wembley.

The band said they wanted to use their talents to help youngsters who are not so lucky, and thought of no better way than doing what they do best and playing music.

Bill Allison, senior teacher at Hodgson, said the pupils loved the acoustic song in assembly.

He said: "Some of the girls sat agog watching this band of good looking lads, and the boys were impressed too - the whole audience seemed captivated by them."

Tickets for the concert next Friday cost £2 and it starts at 7.30pm. Call Bill for tickets on (01253) 882815.

Pictured, from left, are Waterfront band members Paul, Steve and Ryan.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.