HEREFORD'S battle of the bands competition came to a crescendo on Saturday as the 10 groups vying for a recording contract and free studio time shook the portraits of Hereford's nobility hanging in the Shirehall.

The 10 bands were given 20 minutes to display their talents and, under such pressure, each packed their show with energy, especially the Bitchpups whose fast-paced songs, cheery attitude and stage craft pleased the 400 strong crowd and the judges, who placed them third.

Another crowd-pleaser was Toasted Egg Sandwich, whose raucous and lively performance earned them a special mention from the judges.

Also given a special mention was Small Morris, with his own take on hip-hop going down well at the mostly rock event.

In second place was professional sounding Hereford indie combo Common Orange, featuring Doug Freeman, the guitarist of the competition.

Songwriter of the show went to Mike Mann from competition winners, Velvet, their name perfectly capturing their rich mellow sound.

The event was such a success that organiser Mike Wynn, from Hereford Music Studios, said that plans were underway to hold another battle next year.

"It was a brilliant turnout and brilliant standard of musicianship," he said.

"We're hoping to have a lot more gigs and club events coming up."