ROCK fans across the country have been raving about up-and-coming North-East talent Pete Shoulder.

The 20-year-old guitarist and singer-songwriter from Waldridge, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, has been playing his first series of gigs outside the region.

The youngster, who signed a deal with recording company Sony two years ago, and his new trio The Others, are playing support to veteran rockers Thunder on their national tour.

Thunder fans have flocked to buy The Others' three-track CD, on sale at gigs and via their website, and have told Thunder's website message board how impressed they are by the band.

Manager Malcolm McKenzie said: "It has been brilliant. Last night at Nottingham there were 2,000 people.

"It has been great for the band and really helped them a lot. From here, we can really kick on.

"The reaction has been amazing. One guy there from Darlington bought a ticket to see Thunder and did not know about the band, and said afterwards he thought we were better than them.

"We produced a limited run of 1,000 CDs and I think we will sell most of them.''

The band were unable to play at Thunder's recent gig at Northumbria University, in Newcastle, but Mr Shoulder joined the headliners on stage for a version of the Robert Palmer hit Addicted to Love.

The Others, playing as The Pete Shoulder Band, will headline at Newcastle Opera House at 7.30pm tomorrow.

It will be Mr Shoulder's first gig in the region since sell-out shows at Durham's Gala Theatre and at Easington.

Tickets cost £7.50 and are available on 0191-232 0899.