The Tabbs, who play garage rock in the vein of Kings of Leon and Jet, have been picked as one the finalists for the local heat of Live and Unsigned, one of the UK's largest music competitions.

Judges whittled down 60 contenders from 300 applicants, with The Tabbs now set to play at the live final in Sheffield.

If successful, they could find themselves wowing the country's top music producers and record label executives in the competition's grand final held at the London 02 arena. The ultimate prize is a recording contract and up to £30,000 of investment.

The band, made up of Luke Denvers and George Cundall, both 17, and Tom Pickering and Isaac Priestly, both 18, all come from Westborough and have been playing together for three years.

Drummer George said he was delighted to be in the final.

He added: "Getting signed would be brilliant. We want to be bigger than The Cribs."

The Live and Unsigned band competition takes place every year and auditions are open to any original artists, bands, vocal groups and solo singers.

• The Tabbs play the Slide Festival at Leeds Rio's on February 21, and the Live and Unsigned final at Sheffield City Hall on Sunday March 210. Tickets are £7.50 with coach travel included for an extra £7.50. Visit www.myspace.com/thetabbsuk or contact Andy Walker at gallant.events@ymail.com.