If ever there was a life story with all the ingredients to make it ripe for turning into a great movie, it surely was the life and times of the late, great Mr Ray Charles.

And that is exactly how it has panned out for the movie of Charles' life, called simply Ray', that is currently wowing packed houses on both sides of the pond' is an absolute triumph and looks an odds on certainty to walk away with a host of awards at this year's Oscars.

The warts n' all film, with the outstanding Jamie Foxx in the title role, received the full support of Charles himself, who was consulted at every stage of the production and made it clear that he wanted the story of his life told exactly how it was.

What a shame it is that Charles is no longer around to witness the reaction to the film, having passed away in June of last year, aged 73.

For those not familiar with the Ray Charles story, it very briefly went something like this Born into poverty in a poor town in Georgia, he went blind at the age of seven as a result of glaucoma shortly after witnessing his younger brother's accidental death.

Inspired by a fiercely independent mother who insisted he make his own way in the world, Charles found his calling and his gift behind a piano keyboard. He toured across the Southern musical circuit building a reputation and then achieved worldwide fame with his unique style of music which was an amalgam of soul, gospel, blues, country, jazz and orchestral influences. Then there was THAT unmistakable voice which conveyed all manner of emotions in a way few other voices are capable of.

As he revolutionised the way people appreciate music, Charles fought segregation in the very clubs that launched him and championed artists' rights within the corporate music business.

Aside from the music, throughout the course of his life, Charles fought long battles to overcome alcohol and drug addiction and also developed one hell of a reputation with respect to the ladies.

Married several times, father to an unknown number of children and with mistresses along the way, Charles was also well-known for availing himself of the services of countless working' girls.

But it is for his wonderful music and the huge influence he had on other artists that Ray Charles must surely be best remembered and Ray: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' CD certainly illustrates this point as 17 of Charles' finest tracks have been gathered together such as I've Got a Woman', (Night Time Is) The Right Time', Georgia On My Mind', Hit The Road Jack', Let The Good Times Roll' and I Can't Stop Loving You'. This CD comes stamped with the word quality', buy it and go see the movie too.

COMPETITION SWEET were one of the most popular and successful Glam Rock bands of the 1970s with 15 top 40 hits in the UK alone (including 10 UK Top 10 hits).

The band went on to sell more than 20 million records worldwide. With their glitter, platform boots and heavy make up Sweet epitomized the camp extreme of the glam rock look. And after 30 years, Sweet are now getting the recognition they deserve and are listed as a major influence by some of today's top rock acts.

Sweet The Very Best Of' (Sony BMG) features all of the band's hits including Block-buster', Ballroom Blitz', Teenage Rampage', The Six Teens', Wig Wam Bam', Fox On The Run' and Little Willy'.

Released at the same time is the DVD Glitz Blitz and Hitz The Very Best Of Sweet' (Wiennerworld), featuring the band's entire hits collection together with unseen footage and exclusive interviews with Phil Wainman (producer), Nicky Chinn (writer) and original group member Andy Scott, who has been closely involved in the creation of this DVD.

We have five copies of both the CD and DVD to give away. To be a winner, just correctly complete the following Sweet song title which was a big hit for the band: .. on the Run'.

Send your answer, on a post card or reverse side of a sealed down envelope, together with your name, address and daytime telephone number to Sweet Competition, Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen, Unit Four, Victoria Court, Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN.

Entries must arrive before Wednesday next week, February 2, when the first five correct answers selected at random will be the winners.

Usual competition rules apply. There is no cash alternative to the prize. The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.