A TRIO of teenage musicians have laid out some exciting ambitions after launching a new venture.

Nineteen-year-old Liam Abbott has joined Brad Owen and Luke Burrows, both 17, in creating group SAPHO.

The three, who are members of indie group The Patriots, have formed the new project which will see them write their own material.

The Patriots band will continue with SAPHO to focus on original songs and aiming to branch out and build a new audience.

The trio, who met at St Cuthbert's School, already have performances at the When In Manchester festival on April 15 and the AMP Festival in Sheffield a couple of weeks later in the pipeline.

And the group will play a launch gig on home soil at the Tank Bar on Westfield Street in March.

"They are writing their own material and take it to the next level," said Daz Owen, dad of band member Brad, who is joint managing the band alongside Nicole Burrows.

"All the lads are local so we wanted to do the first gig in St Helens. They're absolutely buzzing and it is something they always wanted to do but they appreciate the Patriots is a popular project but this is completely separate. Nothing had changed."

Daz added: "They're really excited and there's a bit of pressure to get some new material out there. Nicole wanted to push it. We need to branch out a bit now and try and get a new audience."

SAPHO's launch gig is on Saturday, March 4 from 7pm at Tank Bar.