A METAL band have been signed up to an independent record label and set to release their first album, thanks to an experimental website.

Old Corpse Road, a heavy metal group from Darlington, have cited their success down to exposure from Darlington Experiment.

Godreah Records, a label which specialises in historically-inspired heavy metal, have signed up the band.

The band are set to release their first album later this year, featuring lyrics inspired by Darlington, County Durham and places further afield.

A statement released by the band said: "Old Corpse Road began as a project from a group of individuals interested in exploring the folklore of the local area in a musical way that differed to traditional folk arrangements found in music."

Some of the songs feature tales of Hells Kettles, near Hurworth Place, and the tale of a fabled goblin which terrorised locals, Peg Powler, a hag who lived in the River Tees, and Glassensikes, Darlington's infamous spooky stream which gave its name to a house.

The statement added: "The band believe that due to the popularity of sites such as the Darlington Experiment this is an ideal opportunity to promote the band as significant to the area not only for their achievements but also for bringing traditional folk tales from Darlington to a wider audience."

Darlington Experiment started last year as a website linking a number of internet sites to promote the town.