A YOUNG band from Tavistock has recently wowed the judging panel of the UK's biggest original music competition, sailing through the audition stage of Live and Unsigned.

Ten Zero One band members Max Williams, Charlie Smith, Gary Lawrence and Jack Rawlings will be competing against the most talented bands and artists in the country at the regional final showcase of Live and Unsigned 2011 — all in a bid to be signed! 

The boys, who have only recently entered their teens, battled against hundreds of hopefuls to secure a spot in the live shows and now have the opportunity to prove that they are the best in the region.

Acts that made it through auditions will now take part in a live regional final showcase on March 19 at the Plymouth Guildhall, in front of thousands of spectators and a professional judging panel, including judges from Kerrang, NME Radio and Radio One.

The best acts will also get the opportunity to play support slots with a selection of major headlining acts.

Live and Unsigned is established as the definitive music competition for original acts and it is open to all genres of music from heavy rock to rap. 

Chris Grayston, Events director of Live & Unsigned said: 'Live and Unsigned is all about originality, live ability and credibility.

'We don't accept demos or submissions and everyone auditions live.

'We've got some fantastic prizes up for grabs this year in a £100, 000 prize pool, so there are lots of opportunities for everyone entering. Plus the Live and Unsigned Festival means 2011 will be the biggest competition yet.' 

All the acts in the competition are battling it out for the chance to play at the festival at the 02 in London.

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