THIS team of operating theatre staff from Princess Margaret Hospital are attempting to become 'top of the docs'.

The six-piece band, aptly named Under the Knife, have recorded a three-track CD single called Railway Town in memory of the victims of mesothelioma, the asbestos-related cancer that has become known as the Swindon Disease.

But the band cannot release the fundraising CD because they have run out of money.

They hoped proceeds from sales of the CD would be used to help victims' families and fund research into the disease.

But sponsorship money they thought would flood in has not been forthcoming.

Although the band have recorded and mixed the master CD with the help of Backbeat Beatles members Dave O'Reilly and Paul McDonagh, they do not have enough money to produce it for general sale.

Lead singer, guitarist, keyboard player and consultant obstetrician John Cullimore, 47, said: "I guess a lot of organisations get numerous requests for sponsorship, but I was put out by the number of put-downs we received.

"The band has paid for everything so far and I can't ask for any more. That's why we need sponsorship to continue. Even some shops have not been keen to stock the CD."

Mr Cullimore, who lives in Wanborough, hopes to produce an initial batch of 500 CDs to be sold at £4 each.

"It would be nice if we had a CD in the shops sometime," he said.

"Hopefully the bank will allow us to go overdrawn for a while."

The other Under the Knife members are Dave Cornell and his wife Charisse, Sean O'Kelly, Amanda Jones and Richard Elms.

Call John Cullimore on Swindon 426052 to help with sponsorship.