ROCK AND ROLL is still alive and kicking in Bridgwater if last night's Sedgemoor Battle of the Bands at Bridgwater YMCA is anything to go by.

An unbelievable wealth of young talent took to the stage on Wednesday, June 26 from King Alfred, Haygrove, Chilton Trinity and Robert Blake schools.

First up on stage were the youngest participants New Q, who got things off to a great start with renditions of rock classics Highway to Hell by AC/DC and Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor.

Donned in matching New Q outfits and with a guitarist looking the part clad in a leather jacket they owned the stage and were wildly popular with the crowd and the judges.

Next up were the Disciples of the Garden Shed from Chilton Trinity who opened with Green Day's Boulevard of Broken Dreams before playing a thumping version of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.

The judges praised their tight rhythm section and solid playing.

A six-piece outfit from King Alfred School took to the stage next called The Atoms who hugely impressed with their song choices and technical prowess.

They opened with Zombie by The Cranberries with a strong vocal performance and engagement with the crowd, but their crowning achievement was their take on Hysteria by Muse.

The rock anthem includes a bassline that requires great dexterity, which was completely nailed by the 12-year-old bassist, but also included two guitar solos.

They were followed by Black Links from Robert Blake Science College, a four-piece who showed their range by taking on the slower paced Run by Snow Patrol before heading into a bouncing take on Coldplay's Adventure of a Lifetime.

The judges praised the band saying they 'captured the essence of the songs' they chose.

The final band before the interval were Millennium from Haygrove who gave off a very cool stage presence and entertained the crowd with a great version of Panic! At The Disco's The Ballad of Mona Lisa.

They then took on grunge staple Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, with the female lead singer's strong high octave vocal giving a fresh feel to the song.

During the interval Outerhouse, a band from Bridgwater & Taunton College entertained the crowd, demonstrating amazing musicianship and a great group dynamic and providing a great role model for the younger bands to aspire to.

Following the break it was the turn of the Key Stage 4 bands, with Paper Crowns from Chilton Trinity first on.

The trio took on the Artic Monkeys' Do I Wanna Know with the two guitarists sharing vocals, before playing Oasis's Don't Look Back In Anger which had the crowd singing along.

They were followed by Canvas Moon from King Alfred School, who immediately grabbed attention with their bassist wearing a huge black wig onto the stage.

They opened with Green Day's Wake Me Up When September Ends but really came into their own in their second song, In Bloom by Nirvana.

The singer's vocals filled the hall as the band reached the emphatic chorus, and the judges were awestruck with the ability shown by the band's talented young drummer.

The final act in the competition were Wonder from Robert Blake who impressed with the harmonies achieved by their three female vocalists, confident singing and strong stage presence.

They took on two songs made famous by Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer, Good Girls and She Looks So Perfect.

The evening was closed by incredible vocalist Kezia Povey tackling two hits songs from the recent movie version of A Star Is Born.

Katie Newell of YMCA Dulverton Group, who compered the evening thanked all the young musicians, staff and supporters while the judges deliberated the winners.

Bridgwater mayor Cllr Tony Heywood presented the awards, with Paper Crowns being named Audience Favourite, Best Instrumental given to the drummer from Canvas Moon, Best Vocal to the keyboard player from Wonder, and Stage Presence to New Q.

New Q also won the Key Stage 3 contest, and Canvas Moon the Key Stage 4 category, with Canvas Moon being named the overall winner.