THEY'RE funkier than S Club 7, have toured Spain and were even asked to support Steps.

Pulse, a young threesome from Malvern, choreograph their own dance moves and pen their own tunes.

Their set, with bags of energy, funky tracks and stunning tunes and dance routines has already been praised by the music industry.

They are now gearing up to play at a massive local event in aid of an anti-drugs movement started up by Boyzone.

The movement, called SNAP, encourages youngsters to party to music and live bands without the use of drugs, and will be soon bringing a host of pop acts to Hereford.

Pulse have been an outfit for 12 months and have already performed at other SNAP gigs supporting chart-topping acts such as boy band Point Break.

They heard about SNAP when they were asked to perform a gig as a one- off and have been involved with it ever since.

"It's a big event and chart acts such as boy bands tend to play as well as local acts," says Natalie Bourne, a singer and dancer in the group.

"It's a national initiative with West Mercia police and Crimestoppers to encourage young children to say no to drugs and to phone the helpline anonymously if they know people dealing in drugs."

Pulse is comprised of 23-year-old Natalie, Hannah Eccleston, 21, and Pete Brannelly, 24.

They perform a lively set of revamped covers as well as their own tunes, and Something Blue, a catchy pop number written by the band, is to be their first major release.

"We didn't get our name off your Worcester Evening News page but from a dictionary. Our music is like S Club 7 but not as cheesy," said Natalie

The band has played at many charity events and radio roadshows and the trio are looking to sign a management deal.

''When we record our tracks we often use local producers, who arrange our music in Coventry and Birmingham," said Natalie.

''Hannah and I play piano, so we put the main structure of the song down and record it on to a computer.''

Natalie and Hannah knew each other before Pete joined the band, as they were in a professional girl band for two years.

The girl band, X-Elle, were signed to the same management as Fine Young Cannibals and sang session vocals for television.

When Hannah and Natalie decided to form Pulse they intended to hold auditions, but heard about Paul's singing reputation on the grapevine.

''People said he had a great voice and we saw him one night and his voice was amazing,'' says Natalie.

Pulse were asked to support Steps last Christmas for three dates in Manchester, but Natalie was in hospital so the band had to decline.

Now they are getting ready to play the SNAP gig with other top acts at Hereford Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 20.

Names on the bill include break-dancing band SFX, a four-piece boy band from London called Awesome, and a female solo artist called Kelly.

''SNAP is a phenomenon sweeping the country,'' says Steve Hill, co-ordinator for Crimestoppers.

''Youngsters who come along to the SNAP nights get chart music, DJ's and live bands and autograph sessions. We mix chart bands with local bands.

''We aim at an audience age of 13 to 18, though 11 is the minimum age and there is no cut off point for older people."

SNAP stands for Say No And Phone. It was started in October, 1995, by Boyzone in the Ministry of Sound Nightclub.

Wychavon Business Systems, ereal Ltd, various councils, youth services and the health promotion service are among organisations behind the scheme.

Laser quest games are hopefully being provided at Hereford Leisure Centre, as well as a tea and coffee lounge for mums and dads who are driving long distance and don't wish to make two journeys.

Doors open from 6.45pm to 11pm. Tickets cost non-members of SNAP £6.

For further details on SNAP or Pulse, contact Steve Hill on 01905 723000. SNAP also has a website at www.snap.ereal.net