A BRITISH Blues veteran is one of the star attractions of a music club's new programme.

Stan Webb's Chicken Shack will be performing at the Darlington Arts Centre Rhythm 'n' Blues Club, on Friday, February 23.

Chicken Shack were part of the 1960s' Blues boom when they featured vocalist Christine McVie, who went on to fame and fortune with Fleetwood Mac.

Various versions of the band fronted by Webb are still a popular draw.

The club has been running for six years, and helps to organise the town's Orange-sponsored Darlington Rhythm 'n' Brews Festival.

Spokesman Mike Prendergast said: "The club has a hard core of 50 to 70 members who come along to most gigs.

"The others are floating fans, who probably choose which bands they prefer to see. We have at present an 87 per cent record of selling out gigs and have a mailing list of almost 800 people.

"From only being able to promote local bands in the early days, the club can now attract major R 'n' B bands and also American Blues artists when they are touring.

"Artists such as Larry Garner, Otis Grand, The Hamsters, Nine Below Zero, Angela Brown, Stan Webb's Chicken Shack, Big Joe Louis and His Blues Kings, and Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges have all performed to packed houses at the club.

"With a full programme ahead for the season, the club looks like continuing to bring the best of live Rhythm 'n' Blues music to Darlington.''

Future attractions include North-East band Alive and Kicking on Friday, March 9, and Bournemouth outfit The Producers, on Friday, May 4.

For details and tickets, call the box office on (01325) 486555.