ONE of the best bands to come out of Southampton, Delays, are giving something back to their fans next week with a charity gig in aid of Naomi House children's hospice.

The band from Bitterne, who have gone from playing to crowds of friends and family to thousands of fans in only a year, return to one of their favourite venues, The Joiner's Arms in St Mary's where they played many gigs when they were struggling to make a name for themselves,

Delays, featuring, Colin Fox, Rowley and brothers Greg and Aaron Gilbert, released their debut album, Faded Seaside Glamour, earlier this year.

Their latest single, double A-side Wanderlust/Lost in Melody, is released on Monday.

It is set to follow the success of their hits Nearer than Heaven, Hey Girl and Long Time Coming.

The band wanted to do a gig to raise money for a local charity and felt that Naomi House more than fitted the bill as a worthwhile cause.

"What could be a better cause than a children's hospice?" said the band's manager and Aaron and Greg's father Mike Gilbert, who has also raised funds for the charity with his own band.

Naomi House, which is based in Sutton Scotney, provides respite and terminal care for children who are unlikely to survive into adulthood.

It offers caring support to families and needs to raise over £2 million a year.

Tickets for the gig, on Friday, November 26, are sold out but returns may be available. For more information, contact The Joiner's Arms on 023 8022 5612.