Searchersfound theformula

Non-stop work '“ but work which isn't really work because it is still so enjoyable.

'We never stop really,' says Frank Allen, a Searcher who goes back pretty much to the band's very earliest days.

'It's just one of those things that carries on and on. We are not one of those bands who do a big tour and then don't tour for ages. It's week to week for us. It's just manic.

'We just enjoy what we do.'

With such classic hits as Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don't Throw Your Love Away and When You Walk In The Room, The Searchers have contributed enormously to the British music industry, with record sales well in excess of 30 million.

They're showing no signs of slowing.

'It caught us all by surprise when it first all happened,' says Frank. 'I don't think any of us really took it that seriously.'

They were having a great time, riding the crest of The Beatles' wave.

'It was The Beatles who woke everyone up,' he says. 'Without them, it would have been a totally different story.

'It was the era of the solo singer until then. There were very few bands that made it.'