THIS year's Battle of the Bands started with a bang in Okehampton last week.

A packed Charter Hall saw the first heat of this year's battle take place on Wednesday, July 16.

Eight bands took to the stage to battle it out for a place in the grand final, with the top two bands progressing.

The first heat was of the highest quality with music ranging from the post rock groove of West Devon band Field Marshall Gorsefinger, summer sing-a-long songs by soloist Tom Young and the frenzied metal of Cryostorm.

The audience was made up of people from all ages and walks of life who were all treated to a feast of live music.

The judges reported, that due to the high quality of the heat, it was an incredibly difficult decision to make to pick just two bands to go through.

However, Field Marshall Gorsefinger were eventually named as the heat's winners with Launceston soloist Tom Young the runner up.

The two acts are now the first confirmed bands to play in the grand final on Saturday, August 9 at Simmons Park.

Battle of the Bands organiser, Richard Appleby, was delighted by the start of the event: 'I'm thrilled with everything, I thought it went superbly well.

'Everybody supported each other, there was a great turnout, a huge variety in the bands and a very challenging decision for the judges.

'We want to see as many coming along as possible so we can make this year's the best one yet.'

The competition will step up the pace tonight (Thursday, August 24) as the second heat kicks off in the Charter Hall with doors at 6pm and the first band due to start at 6.30pm prompt.

Organiser Richard Appleby is still looking to hear from any charities or community groups in the area who would like to have a free stall to advertise their work at this year's final.

Running alongside the main battle is the photo competition which is in its first year. People are being urged to take pictures that capture the excitment and atmosphere of this year's Battle of the Bands.

Photos from the first heat should be sent to Richard at e-mail address richard@richardstime

machine.co.uk, complete with details of the photographer. There will cash prizes for the best photographs.

For further details via phone, contact Richard on 01837 811172.