A PUB band may have found a novel way round council red tape in their bid to become record-breakers.

Rockers Methane 57 plan to perform the same song in 30 venues around Weymouth to raise money for Children in Need next Friday and at the same time establish a new world record.

The band were reminded in a letter by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council they could only play in bars which held a public entertainment licence.

Organiser Pete Smith thought about cancelling, blaming council bureaucracy, but after receiving dozens of calls of support he reckons the band can pull it off with the help of the 'two in a bar' rule.

Regulations say that venues which have no public entertainment licence can host two musicians.

Mr Smith, who is Methane 57's guitarist, said: "We will have to change our route to keep to the guidelines.

"However, if we are invited to play at the big town centre venues which haven't got a licence we could have two playing inside the pub and two playing outside.

"It can be done with some radio microphones - let's just hope it doesn't rain."

Mr Smith admitted the band felt 'deflated' after receiving the council's letter but said members were determined to press ahead with the event and raise as much money for charity as possible.

He said: "If the council really want to show how helpful they can be they could send us some free parking permits to help us park in town on the day." Council licensing manager Sue Moore defended the council's position and said she backed the fundraiser.

She said: "I read the original Echo piece and noticed a quote from Mr Smith which said he wanted to play in bars on the day which don't normally host music.

"He is an established pub landlord and local musician and he knows what the law is with regard to this sort of entertainment.

"I thought it would be helpful to send him a list of places where the band could play and stay within the law.

"We're doing everything we can to ensure the event goes ahead but it's our function to make sure that happens within the law."