The Shropshire Star’s Battle of the Bands contest has been described as a “fitting tribute” to former Severn FM and Telford FM journalist Rob James.

The competition reaches its climax with events at the Buttermarket in Shrewsbury on Sunday and March 30. It has attracted 47 entries from across the region.

Prizes include £5,000 of music equipment from Salop Music Centre, studio time at Soundscape Studios and 100 CDs from A Wolf at Your Door Records.

Bands will also be hoping to win the £100 Rob James Award for the best individual musician.

Mr James, who worked as news editor at both radio stations, was found dead at his home in High Street, Shrewsbury in October 2006. He was 29.

Martin Childs, pictured, from Severn FM, said today that the competition would be a perfect way to remember Rob, who had also worked with Kerrang Radio to promote local bands. He said: “As well as working in news for Severn, Rob also worked for Kerrang in Birmingham presenting the Unsigned Show every Sunday.

“He also launched a CD of unsigned bands with Kerrang Radio. For quite some time we wanted find a fitting tribute to Rob, and The Battle of the Bands competition was ideal.

“I think he would have loved the idea of finding the best local unsigned acts.”

The two events at the Buttermarket will see five finalists play on March 30, starting at 7.30pm, with a Best of the Rest night on Sunday, starting at 6pm. For tickets visit www.theticketsellers.co.uk

Voting closed at midday today and below are the bands’ poll positions. The concert line-ups – which will also take into account the votes from our judging panel – are due to be announced tomorrow.

[poll=61]

Competition sponsors:

Shropshire Music Centre – the main sponsors, offering £3,000 of band equipment www.salopmusic.co.uk

Telford FM -supporting and highlighting the entrants www.telfordfm.co.uk

A Wolf at Your Door Records – offering 100 demo discs and advice www.wolfatyourdoor.com

Soundscape Studios – offering four hours studio time http://soundscape-studios.co.uk

The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury – venue for the Battle Of The Bands finals www.buttermarket.com