Victory boost for band

The winners of the Shropshire Star's Battle of the Bands competition today said they hoped the victory would change their lives.

Small Time Crooks, a four-piece indie rock band from Oswestry, won the inaugural competition last night by beating off the challenge of 46 entrants.

Watch our finals night video here

Check out our photo gallery below

The band impressed judges with their self-penned songs, on-stage flair and technical ability.

Today guitarist Rob Quinn said: "We want to make a career out of what we're doing.

"We believe in ourselves 100 per cent and hopefully our Battle of the Bands victory will be a springboard. We'd like people around the world - not just the region - to hear and enjoy our music."

Small Time Crooks features Rob on guitars, Adam Howes on vocals and guitars, Sam Wainwright on drums and Ross Lewis on bass. Rob and Adam met at The Marches School, in Oswestry, and have been playing for about 10 years.

They hope to secure more bookings and fans can visit www.myspace.com/thesmalltimecrooks to hear them.

Small Time Crooks played a storming set in front of fans at Shrewsbury's Buttermarket.They walked away with a new PA system from Salop Music Centre, other equipment worth thousands of pounds, a half day at Soundscape Studios, 100 CDs and mentoring advice from Wolf At Your Door Records and a photoshoot with a Shropshire Star photographer.

Small Time Crooks guitarist Rob Quinn said: "To be honest, I can't believe it. We didn't expect to win. It's the best thing that's happened to us. I'm in shock."

Hot on their heels were Bishop's Castle ska quartet Fight The Bear, who also impressed judges.

They won the Rob James Memorial Award for best individual performance and were also asked to open the Indieco Festival, a one-day gig planned in front of 5,000 fans at The Quarry, in Shrewsbury, in July.

The remaining finalists - Dezima, Enter/Exit and Madison - also went home with prizes, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Salop Music Centre, in St Michael's Street, Shrewsbury.

Salop Music Centre boss Rob Mulliner, who was one of the judges, said: "It's been an astounding night. We've seen some great live bands."

Gair Davies, of Soundscape Studios, said: "We'd like to congratulate all the bands on making it to the final and wish them well for the future."

Andrea Proffitt, organiser of Indieco, said: "It was a brilliant final and the standard was very high. I'm sure we'll be hearing more about these bands in the future."

Kevin Horacks, from Wolf At Your Door, added: "All bands played well. Small Time Crooks were the complete package. They looked great, sounded great and gave a storming performance."

Forty-seven bands from across Shropshire and Mid Wales entered the Battle of the Bands, making it the biggest competition of its kind in the region.

Shropshire Star spokesman James Shaw said: "We'd like to thank our sponsors and every single band that entered."

Winners - Small Time Crooks.

The audience watches the bands perform.

Compere Paul Shuttleworth, from Telford FM, with winner Duncan Burns, from the band Fight The Bear, centre, and Spence Cater, of WCR, who presented the Rob James Memorial Award for best individual performance.

From left, Fight The Bear member Duncan Burevent, host Paul Shuttleworth, band member Jamie Furber, Andrea Proffitt from Indeco and band members Ben Beddoes and Jonny Keeley.

George Francke, left, and Josh Lansley of Enter/Exit, perform.