CLASSIC soul sounds will be filling The Mayflower next month with a performance by legendary pop group The Drifters - and you could win free tickets to see them.

The longest-lived group in pop history, The Drifters are currently celebrating their 50th anniversary in music with their Go Gold Tour, which hits the Southampton theatre on Friday, February 6.

Currently supporting the release of a greatest hits collection, The Definitive Drifters, the group have scored more than 20 hits since the British record-buying public was introduced to their smooth sounds in 1960.

Among their best-known songs are Save the Last Dance for Me, Night at the Movies and You're More than a Number in My Little Red Book.

Over the years, they have undergone an astonishing number of line-up changes, with more than 50 singers featured in the group, including lead vocalists Johnny Moore, Clyde McPhatter, Ben E King, Bill Pinckney and Rudy Lewis.

The band currently stars Patrick Allan, Roy Hemmings, Rohan Turney and Vic Bynoe.

For tickets and information, call The Mayflower box office on 023 8071 1811.

COMPETITON:

The Daily Echo has a host of Drifters goodies up for grabs to mark the band's 50th anniversary.

First prize in our competition is a pair of tickets to see The Drifters at The Mayflower on February 6, a copy of The Definitive Drifters CD, and a glossy tour brochure.

Second prize is a pair of tickets and a tour brochure, while the third prizewinner will receive a pair of tickets to the show.

To be in with a chance of winning one of these prizes, just answer the following question:

In which year did The Drifters have their first UK hit?

Send your answer, with your name, address and daytime phone number, to Drifters Competition, c/o Andrew White, Entertainments Editor, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX, to arrive by January 19.