HUNDREDS of teenage rock fans will invade Westbury on Monday as Matravers School hosts its third annual Battle of the Bands contest.

Ten bands featuring pupils from across the county will be competing for the coveted title, with not a cover version in sight.

Doors open at 7pm in the 300 capacity school hall as each group vies to impress a panel of three judges with their own songs.

Last year's winners were Vamerca from Clarendon School in Trowbridge, who are expected to put on a strong showing once again. Also on the bill are 4 Hour Drive, who recently made the finals in the Battle of the Bands at Moles nightclub in Bath.

This year the contest features its first solo artist, Reuben Pyghe, who organisers are hyping as the next Daniel Beddingfield.

The winning band will receive £80 of vouchers to spend at Sounds of Frome music shop and a chance to record their own demo CD in the school's studio.

The event has been put together by school community arts officer Darian Nelson, who is confident the hall will be packed to the rafters.

He said: "The response so far has been really good. In the past we have held it as an internal competition, but it has grown a lot from there. One of my functions is to try and link the school and community and this is a good way to do it."

Tickets for Battle of the Bands are £1 on the door.