WHEN one of the biggest acts in the UK visits two venues in Essex within half an hour of Thurrock it surely qualifies as local interest, so I see it as my duty to inform you of the Sugababes dates in March 2008 in Brentwood and Southend.

Just in case you didn't already know...

One of the most successful girl bands in the world and that rare phenomenon of a pop band with genuine credibility, Sugababes will surely command sellout crowds on their entire tour, attracting as diverse an audience as any band - male and female, from teenagers to the more mature.

Admittedly there may be a percentage of admiring gentlemen (and indeed why not), but as a whole these shows will attract an audience with one aim - to have a good time.

With some of the finest pure pop songs in recent years - 'Freak Like Me', 'Push The Button', 'Round Round', 'In The Middle' just for starters - there's no way they'll let anyone down, least of all the amorous males.

The nationwide tour runs from March 12 to April 23, kicking off at the Brentwood Centre (01277 215151) and calling in at Southend's Cliffs Pavilion (01702 351135) on Tuesday 18th March.