Paul Heaton from The Beautiful South has lent his backing and his producer to the alternative rock band Port Erin.

The trio have shared the stage with Paul, and Marco Migliari who produced albums for the chart busting band, also worked with Port Erin on Floating Above The City and Wheel Inside A Wheel, their last two albums.

Port Erin actually hail from Broughton Gifford near Melksham and will be returning to the West Country tonight, Friday, March 17, to play from 9pm, at The Rolleston, 73 Commercial Road, Swindon.

Port Erin have notched up some pretty top gigs including playing the famous Glastonbury Festival three times and the Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles were discovered.

Drawing on influences such as Talking Heads, Swindon's XTC, Syd Arthur, Talk Talk, Cowtown and Elbow, Port Erin create their own soundscapes that won the support of the BBC Introducing team and air play from BBC 6 Music presenter Tom Robinson.

The boys will be playing a free gig in Swindon. For more details call 01793 534238. - Flicky Harrison