HOMEGROWN talent in the shape of Spankboy, one of Salisbury's most popular bands, is achieving national recognition.

The ska-punk group beat 600 bands from across the country in a national Battle of the Bands competition.

They attended five rounds of the competition before triumphing in the final held in Wolverhampton.

As well as kudos, the seven friends, who have been making music together in their current line-up for 18 months, won £3,000 and studio time to commit their songs to tape.

Founder member Tim Moore said that the prize money was particularly timely for the band, who had just paid out £3,000 for a van to enable them to complete a summer-long tour of the country.

Coming off the back of this success, Spankboy have signed to Moonska records and hope to release an album early next year.

Their next project is another tour in support of Spunge, which will include playing the London Astoria - a longstanding band ambition.

They will also visit universities including Exeter, Manchester and Glasgow.

Spankboy's next Salisbury appearance is tomorrow night at Salisbury Arts Centre.

And in line with their aim of hitting the heights, the band is next month planning a skydive from 12,000ft to raise money for Save the Children.