Band 'feels force is with them'

A scene from Republic Commando

A band from Northern Ireland have become the first band to have music featured on Star Wars merchandise.

The new Ash single Clones has been chosen by Star Wars creator George Lucas to be the title theme to video game Republic Commando.

Frontman Tim Wheeler said the space saga contained their favourite films.

"It's great because it was an alternate fantasy world for our whole generation and it's fantastic that it's happened again," he said.

"Being on the game is a dream come true and a great honour to be the first outside music. It's the closest we'll get to being in our favourite films."

Downpatrick band Ash are having a small part in the Star Wars story

The band, from Downpatrick, named their first album 1977 to mark both the year Wheeler and bassist Mark Hamilton were born and also the year the first Star Wars film was released.

The Lucas Arts game Republic Commando has been re-edited to include new game footage.

Set in time between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and leading into Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, players challenge enemies from the dark side.

Ash is currently touring America alongside US band the Bravery, to promote the stateside release of their album Meltdown.