LOCAL band The Longsands got a helping hand in the form of a celebrity fan.

Ashes winner and Durham cricketer Steve Harmison turned up at the group’s launch gig for their new single Little Britain at the Star and Shadow cinema, in Newcastle.

The band, who recently beat-off competition from the likes of The Cribbs, The Charlatans and Badly Drawn Boy to be crowned BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘band of the festival’ at the Friends of Mine Festival in Manchester, have won nationwide critical acclaim.

And last night the five-piece performed a gig for their loyal fans.

Already well-known around the North East, the group have also drummed up support from other unlikely sources with their series of celebrity sporting challenges.

These witnessed the lads taking on stars such as Mike Tyson, Ricky Hatton and Steve Harmison at quirky sports challenges including conkers, hit the bullseye, and an egg and spoon race.

On his way to the gig last night, the Durham star said: “I went to show my support for them. The North East seem to support their own and we want to see people with talent given a good crack at it.

“They seem to be having a good go and I think they’re very good. I have been to see them on a few occasions and we had the egg and spoon race, which was interesting. They’re not just playing the big picture, they have done things for charity as well, so they’re giving back. It’s basically North East lads trying to make a go of it, which I support.

“We had an egg and spoon race on the beach last December, it was absolutely chucking it down, but they were in good spirits and it was a good laugh and for charity. I also want to see a band from the North East given a chance to develop their talents which was why I showed up to support them last night.”

Little Britain is available now for download on iTunes.

Hard copies are in store at HMV Newcastle, Silverlink and Metrocentre. Or text TRACK LONGSANDS to 80818 to receive a download link via text message.