Avening's 11-year-old rock stars (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Avening's 11-year-old rock stars

MORE than 100 people packed into an Avening pub to see a group of pint-sized rockers perform their debut gig.

The band, called Red Rox, sang legendary rock tracks at the Cross Inn on Saturday evening.

The aspiring rock stars are 11-year-old school friends James Dolman (drums), Jack Wilkinson (lead guitar) and Charles Russell (keyboard and vocals).

And they were given an electric reaction from the audience, which included the local vicar, children and the former manager of 1970s band Mud.

One member of the public said: "It was the kind of night you never forget. It wouldn't surprise me if in years to come I end up telling my grandchildren I was at the first ever Red Rox concert."

The budding stars were all at Avening Primary School together when they formed Red Rox around eight months ago.

At the time, Jack had been learning classical guitar and Charles had been taking piano lessons.

It was drummer James, having been influenced by his older brother's music, who led the way into rock.

The band got a real taste for a live audience when they performed during school assembly.

The boys then started buying amps, microphones and other equipment. James said this week: "It was great fun, I would love to do it again. I hope there are more opportunities in the future."

Jack added: "It was exciting playing in front of the public."

And frontman Charles said: "It was a great gig and we played some awesome rock."