Battle of the Bands winners revealed

Telford band Fake Obsession was crowned the winner of the Shropshire Star Battle of the Bands 2010 after beating off tough competition in the finals.

Five groups from across the county battled it out at The Ironworks, Oswestry, on Saturday. The contest was launched more than two months ago and bands from across the region submitted music to judges in a bid to secure a place in the heats.

Four bands played each week at The Ironworks, with just one from each session winning through to the finals.

Madoc Vanguard, Befall the Aftermath, Tenacre, Fake Obsession and Pre Sleep Monologue were selected.

And judges chose Fake Obsession for first place with Oswestry band Madoc Vanguard coming close second.

The winning group's singer Naomi Barwick said: "We are extremely happy to have won. I started to cry.

"I was really happy.

"I thought all the other bands were brilliant.

"We are shocked and relieved about winning."

Dan Guyton, lead guitar player, added: "It is unbelievable. We have never done anything like this before.

"We read about the Battle of the Bands in the Shropshire Star and thought it would be a brilliant thing to try out."

Naomi said they had many plans for the future and would carry on playing gigs.

"Music is something we love and it is a passion for us," she said.

"We want to get our music out there to everyone and carry on gigging. We are also talking about an album."

Judge Chrissy Symmons said: "The quality of the music coming from the bands has been first class.

"It was such a tough decision at the finals and it was a very close call for the top title.

"It has been such a treat to hear so much talent from across Shropshire.

" I am sure all the other bands will do well in the future.

"This year's event has been brilliant and I have had so much positive feedback from bands and audiences alike."

Steve Gore, owner of The Ironworks, said he enjoyed being part of the event over the past weeks and hosting the heats.

"It has been a fantastic showcase for the depths and breaths of talent all over the county.

"I am completely amazed with the quality we have had the privilege to hear," he said.

• For more information on the winning band Fake Obsession visit their website here