TWO Felixstowe-based bands are hoping to take a big step to stardom when they take part in the regional finals of the prestigious Live and Unsigned event.

TWO Felixstowe-based bands are hoping to take a big step to stardom when they take part in the regional finals of the prestigious Live and Unsigned event.

Winners will go through to the national final of the competition which has the recording of a single as its top prize.

Stratosfire and Silk and Steel are among the bands battling it out in the regional finals in Basildon on Tuesday .

Stratosfire are a five-piece comprising lead singer Mike Adkins, 27, drummer Ashley Paul, 19, bass player Murray Collins, 19, and guitarist brothers Ben Locke, 25, and Josh Locke, 19, and are excited by the possibilities the competition presents.

“It's a great experience for us to be up there with all those other bands knowing we have to perform to our best, and were are all very determined to succeed - it would be great to put Felixstowe on the map,” said Ben.

“We call ourselves 'alternative rock' but this is not heavy metal, more rock with heart, as our songs have quite a wide range of appeal, from rocky feel-good songs to ballads with a twist.

“We have been practising hard on our song and the cover of a song we were required to do by the Live and Unsigned team.

“The song we have chosen is Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club by The Beatles that we have put our own take on.”

Silk and Steel, a five-piece teenage group which plays glam and heavy metal music, comprises guitarist Oscar Charlton, 14; lead singer James Beuchet, 15; guitarist Luke Wallace, 19; bass player Craig Lucas, 19; and drummer Curt Culley, 15.

Most of the line-up has been together for about 18 months. They all live in Felixstowe except Craig, who comes from Shotley.

“Everyone is really dedicated to what we are doing - we all want to be involved in the music business and we won't stop until we get out of here,” said Oscar.

FASTFACTS: Live and Unsigned

Ten thousands acts have auditioned to get through to regional finals and a chance to make the national final.

Entrants have to sing one of their own songs and a cover of a hit.

The aim is to find potential recording artists and is open to bands and solo singers from all genres.

The winner receives a �20,000 package with Future Music to record their first single.

Finalists are also invited to take part in a 100-gig tour, including performances at many top festivals.

Last year's winners Kiddo360 have already won the Vodafone Live Music Award.