RESIDENTS have been rushing to the defence of an East Lancashire town after it came in for criticism from a major television show.

In American TV drama 'Lost', which is watched by millions around the world, Clitheroe was referred to in disgust by fictional rock star Charlie Pace, played by Brit Dominic Monaghan.

The latest episode of the big budget series saw burned-out rocker Charlie in a flashback of his early days on the gig circuit.

His van had broken down in a country lane and the rain was lashing down.

His brother Liam tells him to keep his chin up as they are the headline act, to which Charlie replies: "Headlining? We're playing Clitheroe - the ****side of nowhere!"

But the town's residents and a well-known musician who is recording an album in the town have hit back at the Sky One show slur.

Peter Barton, who runs Rock Artist Management from Clitheroe and is bass player with sixties rock pioneers The Animals and Friends, deals with international music acts on a daily basis.

Peter, whose band is headlining Darwen Music Live over the coming Bank Holiday weekend, said: "I think in the past Clitheroe has probably had more rock groups come through it than any other small town in Europe.

"Deep Purple, Chris Rea, Eric Clapton, the Yardbirds, The Animals - they have all been through the town.

"Everybody that comes here loves it and the people of the town always come out for a good gig.

"I remember in the 70s when the Castle used to have major concerts on. It was a cool place to be."

But he added: "It's great that Clitheroe has been given exposure in such a popular programme."

Peter is currently recording material in his Henthorn Road studio with American guitar legend Jerry Donahue, who has played with Jimi Hendrix, Fotheringay, Fairport Convention and The Hellecasters.

Jerry said: "Clitheroe is a buzzing place, especially in Peter's corner of the town. He loves it here. Many people in his position would have moved to London, but he stayed in Clitheroe and has been a big success."

Lost's judgement is also refuted by Philip Knight, owner of the Key Street bar, in Lower Gate.

"The flower power generation's big gigs at the castle could be how the script writers came to hear of Clitheroe," said Philip.

Shortly after his Clitheroe gig, Charlie goes on to hit the big time and becomes a mega star.

Former mayor Coun Mary Robinson reckons some of the town's own prosperity must have rubbed off on him.

She said that far from being the 'back end of nowhere', Clitheroe was "the jewel in the Ribble Valley crown".

Coun Robinson said: "His comment was made before he got to Clitheroe.

"I don't think it would have been the same after he had been and seen what we have to offer!"