BELPER band The Sandmen play their first gig in the town on Thursday at The White Swan pub in the Market Place.

Formed in March last year, The Sandmen play a mix of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll. They played their debut gig in Derby last November.

All the members are experienced musicians.

Gravel-voiced singer and blues harp player Paul Mirkellian was part of Blues Basement, the well-established local R&B band with two CDs and a string of successful gigs to their credit.

Guitarist and vocalist John Kemp was one of the founder members of ZZ Birmingham's Blues Band.

The line-up is completed by bass player Sandy Raynor (classically trained on the violin before discovering her passion for rock) and drummer Nick Phillips who has previously played with The Essentials, Green Fuse and The Cuban Heels,

Paul said: "We've got a fabulous set of songs, from the obscure to the familiar and believe our rocking style will get people up and dancing before they even consider their first drink."

The music starts at 9pm. The gig is free.