THEY became one of the most famous - or perhaps infamous - bands in the world, but it's a little-known fact that one of the first gigs the Sex Pistols played outside London was in North Yorkshire.

On May 19, 1976, the band performed at the Sayers nightclub in Northallerton - now Club Amadeus - when Jonny Rotten, aka John Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock took to the floor - there apparently being no stage - in support of headline act Doctors of Madness.

Pre-Sid Vicious - he joined the following year - they had already appeared at Middlesbrough Town Hall and were heading for a memorable appearance at the Royal Ballroom in Whitby later in the year.

How the gig in Northallerton went down few people seem to recall - this was before their outrageous appearance on the Today show with Bill Grundy in December of that year - and they were yet to imprint themselves on the public conciousness.

However, there are probably still a few music fans around who remember the night and to that end Radio 4 want to hear from them.

The station is planning a documentary on the impact the Pistols had on Britain's disenfranchised youth and in particular those from the North of England and researcher Mark Hodkinson explained: "The programme is about the impact of The Sex Pistols and punk in general on the provinces, whether it inspired people to change the course of their life or led to them to choose a specific career.

"In the media, punk is often portrayed as phenomenon exclusive to London, but it could be argued it had more relevance outside the capital. And what was punk anyway? It appears to have meant different things to different people. To some it was a fashion or a fad while others found within it a deeper philosophy, a creed by which to live their lives.’’

Mark said he was hoping to visit Northallerton soon to speak to as many people as possible for inclusion in the programme.’

"I’d love to speak to anyone who was at the gig or, better still, organised it or played on the night," he said.

"I’d also love to hear from anyone who remembers what it was like in the town at the time – perhaps the build up to the show or its impact afterwards. I know it’s 40 years ago but it’s the kind of episode in the life of a small town that will have remained long in memory.’’

If you can help, Mark can be contacted at mark@pomonauk.co.uk or on 01422-846900 during office hours.