WORLDWIDE sell-out tours, clutches of awards to their name and celebrity collaborations - Irish traditional music sensation Cherish The Ladies certainly have a way of silencing the critics.

The five-piece female act started out as a one-off concert concept back in 1987 featuring the leading lights in traditional Celtic music.

The event was organised by folk supremo Mike Moloney and swiftly established the performers as a force to be reckoned with.

The group subsequently got together to make a record featuring the line-up from the concert series, which was met with critical acclaim.

But flautist and whistle-player Joanie Madden describes how, as the first all-woman traditional Irish band, they were initially not taken seriously.

"People's image of us was we were cutesy-cutesy and they thought it was all a big act and it never was," she says. "Eventually they came around to trust the critics, so I'm happy we've got a chance to do what we love."

Eighteen years down the line, and with 10 albums to their name, the group are still going strong. Their line-up features Joanie, Mary Coogan on guitar and mandolin, Heidi Talbot on lead vocals, Mirella Murray on accordion and Roisin Dillon on fiddle.

They have recently signed a deal with Rounder Records, with their latest album Woman of the House released last month to coincide with a UK tour, taking in Malvern.

Joining them on tour is senior men's world champion in Irish dancing Dermot Cullen.

Joanie said: "Being on the road is a tough life, but we love going to England and touring, especially coming to Malvern.

"It's a special place for us because it's like this beautiful hideaway and we've been there before a lot so we usually get a good following."

Cherish the Ladies play Malvern Theatres tomorrow evening and tickets are £13 and £15.