A BAND of school friends have been named Europe's most promising act after winning a prestigious music competition.

Maupa, whose members are from Clayton-le-Moors, took the accolade from internet giant Wanadoo, formerly Freeserve.

They initially won the British title following an on-line voting competition against nine other bands.

Maupa, who went to St. Augustine's RC High School, Billington, were then in another internet poll against bands from Spain, Netherlands and France.

Their second victory was announced in front of thousands of people at a concert in Montpellier, France on Saturday.

The gig was headlined by pop stars Jamelia, Craig David and Alicia Keys.

Maupa's members will be hoping that the achievement raises their profile ahead of the release of their first album, Minor Highs, Major Lows, next month on the Necessary Records label.

The up-coming band are regulars on the Manchester live music circuit and have been described as "one step away from genius" by musical magazine NME.

Maupa comprises singer David Boon, percussionist Adam Bishop, bassist Matthew Smithson, guitarists Patrick McKeown and Lorcan Moriarty and drummer Anthony Gibbons.