ST ALBANS band Friendly Fires could be in line to scoop a Mercury music prize at a prestigious ceremony being held tonight.

Speaking on BBC 6 Music yesterday, last year's winners, Elbow, picked out the local band to take home the award, which is worth £20,000.

Elbow went on to choose "Jump in the Pool", one of the tracks on Friendly Fires' self-titled debut album, as their favourite song from the shortlist of 12 different acts.

The band, which comprises Ed MacFarlane, Jack Savidge and Edd Gibson, all from St Albans, returned to their home town last Thursday to sign albums and pose for photos with fans at HMV on St Peter's Street.

However, there was some concern over whether the band would be able to go ahead with their scheduled perfomance at tonight's ceremony after Jack Savidge was admitted to hospital yesterday.

Jack's twitter page reads: "Admitted to hospital with a fever and darkside purple rash on my leg. No idea whether I'm gonna be able to play at the Mercurys tomorrow".

Despite this the band member discharged himself from hospital this morning and will take the stage tonight.

Keep checking the Review's website for updates on the ceremony.