Ref.10395INNOVATIVE Pewsey rock group 8th Fret has won a Battle of the Bands contest, which the youngsters hope will launch them into the big time.

The five-strong band is based at the Shak youth club. Its prize for winning the contest at Hungerford was a day at a local recording studio where the members plan to cut their third CD.

Band members also walked away with a selection of awards including best vocalist, Alex Carroll, best drummer, Tom Davenport, and best electric guitarist, Paul Davis. Bass guitarist George Barlow and keyboard player John Tomlinson were also commended for their skills.

Tom Davenport said: "We have been offered management and hope this could lead to album deals and some overseas tours."

The band are all close friends who grew up in Pewsey. Members write all their own music and lyrics.