In a nail-biting Area Final on Sunday 15th May, local band 'Edged' were selected to go through to the Rock section of the 'Live and Unsigned' Final at the O2 Arena in July.

'Edged' was one of 21 bands performing on the day, and were selected along with Luke Parr, the first act chosen to go through. They performed an amalgamation of their own song Black Lake and Dream On by Aerosmith as required by the rules of the competition.

The band has come a long way since winning the final of Tandridge Has Talent at DeFest last summer. 'Edged' will be on stage again at this year's DeFest on Saturday 18th June at de Stafford School in Caterham. Also performing at DeFest will be another local band who reached the 'Live and Unsigned' Final in the Indie section, 'The Merry Gang'.

Following their win, band member, Brad Steer, said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to the many fans who travelled to Basildon to support us. The atmosphere was amazing and it was all thanks to them. When the judges announced we were winners the cheer that erupted was deafening to say the least! We are elated to have been chosen to perform at such a prestigious venue. It will be a fabulous experience and we can't wait!

"We would also like to say thank you to our friends and family who made all this possible."

The Live and Unsigned Grand National Finals will be incorporated into Live Fest, London's largest indoor music festival featuring names such as N-Dubz, Tinchy Stryder, Kids in Glass Houses, Tempa T and many more.

To book tickets visit www.liveandunsigned. uk.com and click on the link for 'Live Fest'. 'Edged' will be performing in the Rock Final.