A FOUR-piece band from Tavistock is now just one step away from a live performance at the O2 in London, after playing their way through to the area finals of a national talent competition.

Ten Zero One was formed in May last year and comprises Tavistock College students Max Williams (13), Gary Lawrence-James (13), Jack Rawlings (12) and Charlie Smith (14).

The band, which plays both original material and rock covers, has stormed into the area finals of the Live and Unsigned talent competition, after a fantastic regional final performance at Plymouth Guildhall recently.

Their next outing in the competition will be at the Southern England final in Basildon this Saturday, May 21, when the young foursome will face stiff competition from a much larger area.

Acts taking part in the live area final showcase in front of thousands of spectators also get to perform to a professional judging panel, including judges from Kerrang, NME Radio and Radio One.

Live and Unsigned is the biggest original music competition in the UK for unsigned bands and artists. Attracting more than 50,000 entries in the past five years, it has set itself apart from its predecessors by offering and promoting originality.

Kerrang's Alex Baker, one of this year's judges, said: 'It's a really interesting competition to be involved with as it's nice to actually see what bands have got in the flesh. There aren't many competitions out there with the credibility of Live and Unsigned.'

All the acts in the competition are battling it out for the chance to play the Live and Unsigned Festival at the 02 in London on July 23.

The overall winner of the competition will be offered a recording and management contract with Future Music with an investment of up to £50, 000.

Celebrity judges involved in last year's final included former Slade front man Noddy Holder, R'n'B star Shola Ama, Radio 1's Annie Nightingale and Ras Kwame.

Prizes are not just reserved for the overall winners. Acts will have the opportunity to win some fantastic prizes including support slots for major festivals such as IvyLive, development through recording studio time in some of the UK's finest studios and courses with the Institute.

Closer to home Ten Zero One is looking forward to performing at Modbury M Fest on May 27, Lapstock Fstival on June 17, Lydfest on June 25 and their full set can be heard at Calstock Social Club on June 18.

They have also been selected for the Okehampton Battle of the Bands, with their heat taking place on Friday August 5 and will be playing on the John Govier show on Radio Devon on July 1 between 10am and 1pm.