Ilkley could soon be set to reclaim its rock'n'roll heritage as plans take off to turn the Kings Hall into a hotbed of concert activity.

Following Irish band Ash's triumphant sell-out gig at the venue last Thursday, rock groups are said to be looking at Ilkley as a tour date.

Bradford heavy metal group Terrorvision has already announced a gig at the hall on Saturday, January 13, with many more bands apparently set to follow.

The Ash gig was the first in the town since 1967 when Jimi Hendrix's set at the Gyro Club was famously stopped by police after only two songs.

Colin Oliver, who staged the Ash concert and owns the Cockpit in Leeds, said he would like to put on at least five gigs a year at the Kings Hall.

"If I could put five on a year in Ilkley that would be a result," he said. "It's an unusual venue to do and I think bands get a lot of satisfaction from playing places where people don't normally get to see them. I think the only bands that would play there would be well-established ones."

He said the success of the Ash gig proved that Ilkley was ripe for such a venture. "We are a professional outfit and we know what we are doing. We would make sure that everything runs very smoothly," he added.

Stars currently being mooted for the 500-capacity venue include rock legend Robert Plant, singer/songwriter Billy Bragg and Gomez, who famously recorded their debut Mercury Prize-winning album in the town.

The news was welcomed by Tony Sakkos, owner of Wharfe Valley Music, who said his guitar-selling business was booming since the gig.

He said: "It's a good thing for young people because they have never had anything so exciting before. It's going to bring a lot of trade and money into Ilkley - it's got to be good for the community."

Miggy Bailey, a member of the Friends of the Kings Hall/Winter Gardens group, which helped to refurbish the venue, said: "It is perfect for concerts and the hall should cater to a variety of tastes."

The Ash gig was hailed a huge success by both the band and fans. During their set lead singer Tim Wheeler called the King's Hall "a cool venue'' and speaking afterwards, guitarist Charlotte Hatherley, 21, said the concert had been the best so far of the band's 21-date tour.