A BARRINGTON-based punk rock band hopes the memory of a founder member can inspire it to chart success after its debut single launched today (Monday, June 11).

The McFly-esque trio Not Your Hero is dedicating its debut release Ask Away to songwriter, bassist and vocalist Tim Brown, who died last September.

Since the death of Tim, from Sturminster Newton, the band have toured Britain and have amassed an enormous fanbase on the popular internet site myspace.com, where their songs have received nearly 900,000 plays.

Their practice venue three times a week is the Barrington home of drummer Jonny Brister, who told the News: "We're playing Exeter Cavern on Sunday, the day we find out about the charts. That could be a celebratory gig."

Jonny, who went to Wadham Community School, Crewkerne, and who teaches drums at Hambridge Primary School, added: "If it doesn't come off now we will try again. It's always going to mean so much to us because of Tim."

If Ask Away performs well, the band is considering donating some of the proceeds to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where Tim died following a brain haemorrhage.

And the single's prospects of success are boosted by a staggering army of well-wishers who have flooded the band's myspace site with messages of support .

To find out more about the band and to listen to Ask Away, click on the link below.