A MUSICIAN from Times Territory is celebrating after his band s new record made the top 20 in the UK album charts. Paul Layton spoke to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times after It's Been Too Long, the latest LP from pop stalwarts The New Seekers, charted at

A MUSICIAN from Times Territory is celebrating after his band's new record made the top 20 in the UK album charts.

Paul Layton spoke to the Welwyn & Hatfield Times after It's Been Too Long, the latest LP from pop stalwarts The New Seekers, charted at number 17.

Paul said he was "really excited" by the success of the album, which was released by Universal on July 13.

The record offers a mixture of old tracks, including smash hit I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, and new material such as the Hallelujah and Blackberry Way medleys.

The 62-year-old, from Digswell, added: "It is nice to see some very reputable acts below us in the charts."

The New Seekers are now in their 40th year and, to date, they have sold more than 35 million records worldwide.

Yet despite their success, Paul, a founding member of the band, said he had no plans to hang up his bass just yet.

"We are looking to try and get a new album completed and out on a smaller label to see if there is any reaction," he said.

But he added: "While I enjoy being in the studio there is nothing like performing live in front of an audience."

Wife Trisha, who sang with The New Seekers in the 80s, said she was "very proud" of the band's latest success.

Trisha, who now works as a children's entertainer under the name Trish and Tricks, smiled: "I think it is fantastic - especially at their age!"

But, of husband Paul, she added: "He still looks young and good."

The New Seekers will be setting off on the final leg of their 40th anniversary tour later this month.

It will feature 18 dates, including a gig at The Wyllyotts Centre in Potters Bar on October 4.

For more information go to www.thenewseekers.com