Local band Blues Breakdown wanted a firm basis for the red-hot blues club they were setting up in Keighley.

And they wanted to do more than curry favour with the internationally-renowned performers due to play.

They found Keighley business Spectrum Financial Protection more than happy to cover any losses made on concerts.

This allowed the newly-named Spectrum Blues Club to charge punters several pounds less than other venues for leading blues acts.

In the event the club proved so successful in its first few months that the loss guarantee has not been needed.

But the bluesmen have certainly made use of their other main sponsor, Moghuls, across the road from the venue.

The restaurant provides free meals for the singers and musicians headlining at Spectrum, each month at St Anne's Catholic Social Centre.

Moghuls' reputation quickly spread around the national blues scene and prospective guests now make a point of asking whether a meal will be thrown in.

Spectrum, whose directors include Blues Breakdown musician Wayne Marshall, is still supporting the club for its second series of monthly concerts.

Wayne said his firm, based in Russell Street, was always willing to provide financial support but gave the band a chance to find other potential sponsors first.

He said: "We said we'd do a year with the club. The money gives them peace of mind, and we just let them get on with it.

"We're delighted with the feedback -- people are seeing our name up there. It promotes a good blues club and it promotes us.

"One of our key ambitions is to become the employer of choice in Keighley.

"We have about 200 employees and are still actively recruiting."

Michael Ford, another Blues Breakdown member, said the Spectrum sponsorship enabled the club to take the risk of charging affordable ticket prices.

He said: "There were certain unknowns -- we didn't know what the attendance would be, and whether we could afford to put on some of the bands.

"Spectrum was a form of safety net. The venue holds 120 and we were counting on 70 each concert -- but we've had at least 100 through the door every time."

Sayed Ahmed, owner of Moghuls, is delighted that not only the artists but many blues fans go along to dine after the concerts.

He said: "I love that sort of music. I've been to the club a couple of times and the music is fantastic. The place is really bubbling with energy."

Sayed is also happy that Moghuls is being mentioned on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Michael explained: "Sometimes bands might have sandwiches thrown at them, or go to McDonald's."

Spectrum Blues Club hosts US acoustic blues king Catfish Keith tonight (October 14) and Mem Shannon and the Membership on November 4. Phone 07974 241801 for tickets.