A BAND from the Staffordshire Moorlands is set to release their debut album.

Operation Error first stepped on stage in May 2007.

The group has steadily built up its reputation playing support slots across North Staffordshire's music venues.

And they have been busy penning songs in the studio.

The band was originally made up of songwriter and guitarist Shaun 'Wink' Winkle, from Tean, vocalist Steve Ayres, from Weston Coyney, guitarist Jonathan 'JP' Parsons, from Leek, bassist Jon Gallione and drummer Mat Steele, both from Meir Heath.

Their first EP was called The Voice of JorEl and included their biggest hit to date, 'I Am David.'

One listener branded the EP a 'Progressive Epic' and, in the absence of an established genre to slot into, the label stuck.

They revisited the studio but due to the increasingly heavy schedule Jon Gallione decided to hang up his plectrum.

The band, with new bassist Stu Blackwood, closed out a whirlwind 2007 by laying down their second EP 'Written On The Mirror'.

The EP, launched in early 2008, revealed a softer side summed up in the track Whisper In The Wind. It secured the band their first major headline slot at the Sugarmill in Hanley.

The band continued headlining select local venues as well as providing support to touring bands such as Slaves to Gravity and Sons of Albion.

By the autumn of 2009 the recording on the album was complete.

It will soon be available to buy online at digital music stores, at selected independent record stores and at gigs.

A preview of the album, entitled A Sign Of Faith, will take place at Red House, in Caverswall, on Saturday. The official launch will be at the Sugarmill in Hanley on March 13.

The band will then go on a UK tour to promote the album.