The band that launched the careers of some of rock's best guitarists will headline the 13th Stanley Blues Festival next month.

The Yardbirds, who had five top ten hits including For Your Love, have boasted Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page, in past line-ups.

The latest incarnation of the band, featuring original members Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty, will round off more than six hours of music on Stanley's Kings Head Field on Saturday August 6.

The festival, the country's biggest free blues event, has attracted several big names over the years, including Stan Webb's Chicken Shack, The Blues Band and former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor and the organisers, are delighted to secure another crowd-puller.

Festival regulars will be pleased that a star of 2003's festival, Lightnin' Willie and the Poorboys - the Texas guitarist brought the house down by walking into the crowd playing his guitar - have been booked again. The band enjoyed themselves so much they wanted to return to Stanley.

> The line-up also includes Chicago bluesman Studebaker John, a master slide guitarist and harmonica player, and Sharrie Williams and the Wiseguys, who specialise in gospel blues with a hint of Etta James.

As ever, the bill highlights North-East talent, this year featuring the blues-edged rock of The Urge - featuring John Miles Junior on guitar _ and The John Whitehill Band, fronted by the Tyneside-based former Blues Burglars guitarist.

Organiser Paul Green said: "Getting The Yardbirds is a big coup - they're one of the most influential bands in the history of British popular music. The Stanley Blues Festival has never been just about headline stars; it's also a great opportunity to enjoy the very best from this region, like John Whitehill and John Miles.

"Stanley is becoming well-known among blues musicians around the world, which is incredible for a town this size. The festival's reputation is continuing to grow, and we're expecting a lot of new people to be attracted to the event this year, as well meeting old friends who've never missed over the past twelve years."

The festival, the first since the demise of founders Northern Recording, is expected to attract a crowd of at least 10,000.

It starts at noon and runs until 6.30pm. Admission is free but parking costs £3.

It is sponsored by Derwentside Council extra backing from Durham County Council.

There is a bar and fast food is available on site but people can take their own food and drink - provided they do not take glass onto the site. For more information call (01207) 507310 or visit the website www.stanleyblues.co.uk