BLACKPOOL band Waterfront could be just one step away from stardom after winning through to the last 25 bands in a competition to find the next Oasis.

The local band will compete in the regional final at Yates's Wine Lodge, The Promenade, Blackpool, on October 7, against three other bands to make the grand final of Undiscovered Originals.

And if they win, Waterfront will feature on the bill at the National Music Show at Wembley in November, with the chance of impressing top record companies.

The band, lead singer and rhythm guitarist Marc Sunderland, along with 19-year-old Stephen Lewis (lead guitars), plus 22-year-old bass player Paul Farrell and 18-year-olds Ryan Brooks, drums, and Hannah Stott, keyboards, say they are influenced by a wide range of sources - from dance to Jazz FM.

Waterfront have already beaten off stiff competition in the regional heats of what is billed as the biggest and best band talent search of 1999.

Ryan said: "The music we produce is power pop, a new style of pop with more emphasis on guitars and drums.

"We weren't nervous at the opening point when they picked the bands to play at the regional heats, nor were we nervous playing at the heats.

"The pressure is on now we're further into the competition, but we're confident we will win through to Wembley."

Yates's marketing director Julie Brook said: "This is where the going gets really tough for the final 25 who have battled it through the regional heats.

"We have been delighted and amazed throughout the contest by the extremely high standard of the bands and whoever gets to Wembley will truly deserve it."

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