A TEAM of operating theatre staff from Princess Margaret Hospital is hoping to become top of the docs.

The six-piece band, aptly named Under The Knife, is busy putting the finishing touches to a three-track CD in memory of the victims of mesothelioma, the cancer that has become known as the Swindon Disease.

Proceeds from sales of the CD, which is set for release in Septem-ber and features the song Railway Town, will be donated to the Swindon Disease Memorial Fund.

Backbeat Beatles members Dave O'Reilly and Paul McDonagh helped produce the CD, which is currently waiting to be mixed and mastered.

Lead singer, guitarist, keyboard player and consultant obstetrician John Cullimore, 47, reckons 1,500 copies of the CD will be available across Swindon.

Mr Cullimore, who lives in Wan-borough, said: "We have been playing as a band since the beginning of the year and wanted to do something for the victims of mesothelioma.

"Some staff at PMH have relatives who have been affected by the disorder.

"The main song on the CD is a tribute to those who have worked and made sacrifices to their own health to make Swindon what it is today.

"We have written a few songs about the area and the format of the CD will include more than just audio tracks.

"There will be a history of Swin-don, the new and old hospitals and mesothelioma.

"On the assumption that all 1,500 copies are sold at £6 each the gross income for the appeal would be £9,000 and more copies could be produced if demand was higher."

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

More than £12,000 was raised during the Advertiser's appeal to create a permanent memorial garden in Queen's Park to the victims of mesothelioma.

Work on the sensory garden, designed as a quiet place for families to sit and remember loved ones, will start in September and include a water feature and sweet smelling flowers.

Under The Knife is seeking sponsorship for the marketing of the CD. Call John Cullimore on Swindon 426052.