TEENAGE rockers are hoping to strike a chord with fans and judges when they perform at a battle of the bands charity tournament.

Members of rock band Red Cry are just one of the groups taking part in the musical extravaganza which will be staged at Leyland Arts Centre, Worden Park, next month.

The event, which has been organised by Rimmers music stores, Chapel Brow, Leyland, is open to the public and proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research UK.

Red Cry got together two months ago after four pupils studying for their GCSE's at Priory Technology College, Penwortham, decided they wanted to become famous and get a record deal.

The lads who all favour rock and heavy metal music said are keen to play to a big crowd.

The event will be their first ever public performance.

Drummer Luke Iddon, of Queensway, Penwortham, said he is looking forward to the day and hopes to win.

"I think we stand a good chance. We are into quite loud music. We won't be doing anything in terms of special effects our music should be enough to impress.

"I do want to be famous and it would be great to make a career out of it."

And David Williams, Red Cry's guitarist, said they are hoping to make a name for themselves with their first show.

"I think some of our friends will come down and support us," he said.

Bands of three or more are still needed to come forward and all entrants need to send a demo tape, CD or video in to Rimmers before Saturday, September 27.

The national competition and the Preston and Leyland heat will be held at the arts centre on Thursday October 30 at 7.30pm. Bands pay £5 and the public £1.

Judges will then choose two bands to go through to the final held at Leyland Motors Social Club, Thurston Road, on November 13 with £1,000 worth of music equipment up for grabs.