CHORLEY'S hottest young musical talent took to the stage at the annual Battle of the Bands contest at the weekend.

Jazz and blues outfit Deadjim were crowned champions in the closely-fought competition which began more than two months ago with 30 bands.

Crowds of youngsters flocked to the final which took place at the Chorley Community Centre in Railway Road on Saturday, July 31.

Organised by local music promoter John Winstanley and Tom Farrington, Chairman of Music and Arts for Chorley Youth, Battle of the Bands gave young musicians the chance to showcase their work.

John, who owns Withnell-based A3H Promotions, said: "The standard was very high and bands came from as far away as Wigan, Manchester, Burnley and Preston to take part.

"The judging panels for all the heats and the final were made up of a mix of music professionals and fans.

"The winners, Deadjim, really impressed everyone with their set and their professionalism shone through."

The Mawdesley-based band, whose ages range from 15 to 18, are all students and hope to make a living from their music eventually.

Deadjim beat off local bands Capulet, Three Ways West and My Theory to win the final, and the chance to have their live performance edited by David Kay, who has previously filmed The Levellers and ex-Libertines frontman Pete Doherty.

Lead singer and saxophonist Tom Kirk, a Cardinal Newman College student, said: "It was a great night and we really enjoyed it.

"We didn't think we'd win it when we first went into it but when we got to the final we just thought we might as well go for it.

"The competition was so strong and we only played our first gig in January 2003 so we're really pleased." For more information about Deadjim visit www.deadjim.co.uk.

Nights for local bands take place at the Community Centre every Saturday night at 7.30pm until 10pm. Entrance is £3 for members and membership is available on the night for free.