A BEATLES tribute band from the North-East have been chosen to play on a remake of the Sixties pop show Ready Steady Go!

The group have been playing gigs around Europe for more than a year and their rapid success has been as meteoric as the Mop Tops themselves.

It started in a Redcar pub when the musicians met and found they shared an interest in the music of Lennon and McCartney and wanted to recreate the sound as closely as they could.

The Beatlemaniacs were born, and after a few months they agreed Nick Kill, of Billingham, could be their Brian Epstein.

He is as confident in their talent as the manager who brought the world John, Paul, George and Ringo - after securing an appearance on Blue Peter at the end of the month.

"This band will be the pinnacle of the tribute band scene in a very short period of time," said Mr Kill, 40.

"They are as close as you will ever get to the real thing. They make you feel as if you are at a Beatles concert between 1962 and 1966.

"It refreshing to see young lads playing such good music so well."

The band are about to embark on nationwide tour they expect to last over a year after their recent tour of Spain.

They have already played the International Beatles Festival in Liverpool twice and hope to do conventions in France, America and Dubai next year.

Richard Jordan, 20, from Redcar is John; Chris Johnson, 20, from Skelton, East Cleveland is Paul; Greg Alderson, 17, from Whitley Bay is George; James Jordan, 17, from Redcar, is Ringo

The Beatlemaniacs will be playing gigs all over the North-East during the coming months.

To find one near you, call Nick Kill on 0777 916 7751.