ONE of the biggest successes of the Bromsgrove Festival fringe events was the Battle of the Bands competition.

Around 300 people flocked to the Ryland Centre, in New Road, to watch the young and talented musicians battle it out for first place on Friday, May 9.

All eight bands, performing predominantly rock music, were made up of youngsters aged between 13 and 19.

However, by a unanimous decision from the three judges, which included a representative from the music industry, Kyro were deemed top dogs.

Other judges included newly elected district councillor Shaun Shannon and National Association of Clubs for Young People representative Paul Carriage.

The band received £100, while the bassist from Pandemonium scooped a £20 prize for best individual performance.

Centre youth worker Jo Heath said: "It was brilliant, I have never seen the place so packed out!"