A Birmingham-based band which boasts two Redditch members has been invited to London to perform a series of high-profile gigs at some prestigious venues.

The Cooler Kings, who have been performing in and around the city since June last year, have caught the eye of promoters and record labels, including EMI, and are now preparing to cause a stir further afield.

The band is also continuing to play locally with a gig lined up at Birmingham's Flapper and Firkin on Friday, which will be supported by recall34 and Murdoch and begins at 8.45pm.

The first London gig is at Gossips in Soho on Thursday, April 12.

Lead guitarist and backing vocalist Mat Larkin, 24, of The Medway, Headless Cross, said the band's current CD incorporated a mix of indie rock and pop which could be heard by visiting their website at:

www.cooler-kings.co.uk

Mat and lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Dave Sowerby, 25, are the current songwriters although there are plans to play songs by fellow band members - 19-year-old bass guitarist Kieron Mallon and Redditch drummer and percussionist Steve Cooper, 22.

Mat said: "The Cooler Kings get their name from Steve McQueen's character in the film The Great Escape, Cooler King Hills.

"He was so named because he was always in the cooler, or solitary confinement, for continually trying to escape."

The band was formed in October 1999 but Dave, who is originally from Manchester, is the only founder member in the line-up.

Mat joined in March last year with Steve and Kieron, from Moseley, joining more recently.