A BAND which traces its roots back 40 years in Darlington is to return to the town later this month.

The Smokin' Spitfires will play their horn-driven classic soul and original rhythm 'n' blues numbers at The Forum on November 17.

The band has been together for 15 years but traces its roots back to the legendary East Side Torpedoes who first played 40 years ago this year in the upstairs room of The Travellers Rest in Cockerton.

Singer-songwriter Neil Hunter and trombonist Terry ‘Ernie’ O’Hern were with the Torpedoes during the years when they toured unceasingly, including four Newcastle City Hall appearances, festivals, a weekly Sunday residency at the Newcastle Playhouse and nearly made the big breakthrough with an album, Coast to Coast, produced by Chas Chandler of The Animals.

The pair stuck together down the years and formed the Smokin’ Spitfires in 2003. The band now plays mainly in the north of the region but regards Darlington as its spiritual home. The event is at 8pm on November 17. For tickets call 01325-363135 or visit theforumonline.co.uk