PHYSIOTHERAPIST Gian Rothwell has had his big break.

With rock and roll in his bones, the married 43-year-old father-of-one has won a talent contest.

By day Gian is a senior physiotherapist at Fairfield Hospital where he has worked for 18 years. By night he is a rock singer, and has been for 25 years since forming the band Badger in high school.

This week he won a talent contest organised by North Manchester General.

Gian said: "It was great to win it but I don't think I will give up the day job just yet."

As part of the prize, the band will have a chance to record a CD in professional recording studios.

"It is unlikely that I will be famous now and I don't think it will go on general release," laughed Gian, but added: "When we first started the band then yes we were hoping to make it big. It is now a hobby and I don't think we would like to hit the big time now."

Badger was formed back in high school, and although band members have come and gone, Gian, who lives in Haslingden, has remained. The band now performs at various pubs and charity events.

"These days we mainly do cover versions. When we first started we wrote our own stuff, but now we sing whatever is suited to the crowd.

"A long time ago we did have one of our own songs on a compilation album. But now it is a mix of 70s, 80s and 90s music such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin as well as Chuck Berry."