AFTER trawling around the limited local music scene, three young men from Farnham have been plucked from oblivion - landing themselves an impressive contract with Virgin records.

Vex Red, featuring Antony Forbes, Keith Lambert and Nick Goulding, were offered the six-album deal, after sending a demo tape to Kerrang music magazine.

After hearing their efforts, major American producer Ross Robinson flew over especially to see them play in Aldershot, recognised their potential, and promptly handed them the deal.

The band has now completed its debut album, recorded in Los Angeles earlier this year, which will be out next February. A powerful-sounding single, 'Itch' has just been released.

They have just returned from supporting rock's elder satesmen, Terrorvison on their farewell national tour, which according to the band, went extremely well.

Guitarist Antony Forbes says: "It took us such a long time to get noticed, but we are now in the flow with it," he said.

"Our friends in Farnham have always been supportive to us, but we were not sure if it was because of the music, or the fact they are friends', he laughed.

"We had a band at Heath End School called Fish Paste, which got in the Herald in around 1991," said Antony reminiscing fondly.

"We also played at Farnham Maltings, which was one of our best gigs, and have also taken part in the Redgrave battle of the bands."

Family, teachers and friends all suggested they should not take what was then a hobby, too seriously, but though they have not made their fortunes quite yet, the bright lights beckon.

Antony enthused about their recording experience in America: "It was so good, we were with producer Ross Robinson, so were able to get into all the best venues on the guest list, and did not have to queue."

He explained their album is a mixture of rock and dance sounds, with "some mellow songs as well' which all appear to have gone down well with audiences on the recent tour.

Understandably, they are looking forward to touring the world, and according to Antony, the long hours practising, satting on tour buses and doing gigs "at no point feels like a job."

Still cementing their position, they are setting out on another major city tour this month, sponsored by New Musical Express, which they will be headlining.

The nearest show will be at the Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms, on October 28, and from there they have their eyes trained on touring America.