DID you know there was an Iron Maiden before the Iron Maiden? They are now known as The Bolton Iron Maiden – and they re not a tribute band. Iron Maiden from Bolton was formed in 1970 by three friends. They had their own large following and played their

DID you know there was an Iron Maiden before the Iron Maiden?

They are now known as The Bolton Iron Maiden - and they're not a tribute band.

Iron Maiden from Bolton was formed in 1970 by three friends. They had their own large following and played their own brand of rock music.

Sadly, in 1976 guitarist Ian Boulton-Smith died from cancer before any of the group's material was released on record. Now Paul O'Neill, the drummer and lead vocalist of the band and resident of St Neots for 28 years, has found and restored the four studio recordings and seven original songs that were recorded live on a tiny cassette recorder - and created the dream they always wanted - an album called Maiden Flight.

The remaining members of the band are selling the CD through their website to raise money for a memorial bench at Christies Hospital in Manchester - something Ian's mum and dad had wanted to do.

Other causes that will benefit are Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses Cancer Relief. A cheque will be presented on June 23 - the 30th anniversary of Ian's death.

The world-famous Iron Maiden have given their blessing to the album and have advertised it on their website - resulting it thousands of visits to www.theboltonironmaiden.com

At this website you can purchase Maiden Flight for £11 including postage and packing - as well as listening to tracks from this inspirational project.

CHRIS BOLAND