A POPULAR music competition uniting people of all ages across West Devon, which was at risk of folding after ten years of providing a platform for new talent, will definitely go ahead next year.

The Okehampton Battle of the Bands competition and Party in the Park finale is set to continue thanks to a new committee being formed at a meeting last week.

There was uncertainty over the future of the competition after organisers Chris Hodgson and Ben Boulton, who had given up countless hours for the project over the decade, decided to step down. Their hope that people would come forward to take over the running of the event looked futile after an initial appeal proved unsuccessful.

But, following a meeting last week with a number of interested parties, a new chairman and secretary were appointed, with three more committee members set to join the team at a meeting in November.

Former Battle of the Bands competitor Jay Hadland has been appointed as chairman.

Jay, originally from Bristol but now a resident in Okehampton, reached the finals of last year's competition with his band The Copperfield Ensemble. He has had many years experience producing and promoting bands, gigs and theatre shows across the South West.

He said: 'I feel we have to continue Battle of the Bands and the Party in the Park as it has become an important date in the calendar for the people of Okehampton.

'It is probably the biggest free community event in the area and is a great showcase for local talent as well as an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy a great night out.

'Some of the bands that have taken part have gone on to greater things and without competitions like this, local talent would miss out on a springboard to a wider audience and possible success.

'It us also an ideal opportunity for local businesses to get involved, for new businesses to get equated with each other and to put something back into the community while promoting their products or services.

'As Okehampton is a growing town, we are determined not to lose the long-standing community feel that has made previous events so successful. The heats of the competition and the Party in the Park help to put the town on the entertainment map. Without it, local music fans have to travel to Exeter or Plymouth to see bands of the quality we attract.

'As it's a family-friendly project, it also caters for the younger music fans who can find it difficult to see live music locally, as many of the music venues are pubs or clubs.

'This makes us more determined to make next year's Battle of the Bands an unforgettable experience.'

New secretary Teresa Edwards has been involved in the competition for a number of years, working for one of the major sponsors and volunteering her time and energy to the cause.?She was not ready to see the event come to an end.

'I have been involved with the Battle of the Bands from the very beginning and I felt like it was my time to stand up with a few others to make sure that the event would continue,' she said.

'However, we still need a lot of support from sponsors, so if there are any local businesses that would like to be involved, financially or by donating prizes, please get in touch. This is a community event and everyone needs to help.'

Three other people have already put themselves forward to help and the full committee will be officially formed at a meeting on November 4.

Anyone who would like to help, or find out more about sponsoring, can contact the committee via the website http://www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.org.uk">www.okehamptonbattleofthebands.org.uk or via email on [email protected]">[email protected] or [email protected]">[email protected]