THEIR first three hits soared into the charts at three, two and one – and now Thunderbirds are go for Busted.The pop trio, featuring Suffolk's Charlie Simpson, have recorded the theme tune for the forthcoming Thunderbirds film, set for release in July.

By Jonathan Barnes

THEIR first three hits soared into the charts at three, two and one - and now Thunderbirds are go for Busted.

The pop trio, featuring Suffolk's Charlie Simpson, have recorded the theme tune for the forthcoming Thunderbirds film, set for release in July.

The classic 60s show, featuring a cast of puppets, is being made into a live action movie starring Bill Paxton, Ben Kingsley and Sophia Myles.

Busted, who hope to secure their third consecutive number one on Sunday with Air Hostess, have re-worked the film's title music.

Charlie, 18, from Woodbridge, has seen his music career take-off and sky-rocket since joining Busted two-and-a-half years ago.

The band have had six top three hits, two top-selling albums and won two Brit Awards, and hope their part in the big-screen blockbuster will open the door to the U.S. market.

Their version of the Thunderbirds music will be released on a single alongside 3am on July 26, in the same week as the film's UK opening.

The movie, which is directed by Star Trek Next Generation actor Jonathan Frakes, stars Bill Paxton as Jeff Tracy, Ben Kingsley as The Hood and also features Bury St Edmunds actor Lex Shrapnell as John Tracy. Frakes has also directed the video to accompany Busted's single.

Formed in 2001, Busted scored their first hit in September 2002 with What I Go To School For. They followed it up with Year 3000, which made number two in January 2003 and hit the top spot last May with You Said No.

Their self-titled debut album sold more than a million copies and also spawned a number three hit in Sleeping With The Lights On.

The trio's second album, A Present For Everyone, has also topped the charts and includes the number one singles Crashed The Wedding and Who's David?

Busted - completed by Matt Jay and Southend's James Bourne - recently completed a UK arena tour and play a number of open air shows this summer, including a gig in Ipswich's Christchurch Park on July 16.

THUNDERBIRDS FACT FILE

Thunderbirds ran for 32 episodes between 1964 and 1966, was made into two films, Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6.

It is the invention of Gerry Anderson, who previously enjoyed successes with the series Stingray and Fireball XL5.

He was inspired by a story of miners being rescued from a flooded pit 300 metres below the surface - and the idea of International Rescue was born.

Set in 2065, Thunderbirds centres on the unmapped Tracy Island, the home of International Rescue.

The operation is run by the Tracy dynasty, headed by Jeff Tracy, one of the richest men in the world, and his five sons Scott, John, Virgil, Gordon and Alan.

There are five different Thunderbird machines, each playing a unique role in the rescue operation and piloted by a different Tracy brother. The mastermind behind the machines is brilliant scientist Brains.

The heroes' arch enemy is The Hood, who desires the technological power of the Thunderbirds for his own evil needs.

Other key characters include International Rescue secret agent Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward and her loyal chaffeur Parker.