Published: Sunday, 24th May, 2009 10:00am

Triumph for The Innocent

by Adam Hewitt

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Clockwork in action

SEVEN up-and-coming bands blew away the judges at a packed battle of the bands competition.

The event at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Rushey Way succeeded beyond all the expectations of organiser Tracy Collins, a swimming teacher who has only just recovered from running the London Marathon.

She said: 'It was a brilliant event, all the bands were fantastic. It was a huge success, more than 300 people turned up and we raised £1,250 for bereaved children"s charity Daisy"s Dream.'

Winners on the night were dance-rockers The Innocent, from Earley. Chris Wheeler, 17, plays bass for the band, alongside singer Mike Rawcliffe, drummer Alex Vocat and Ed Williams on guitar and backing vocals.

Chris said: 'We really enjoyed it, it was cool playing to that many people, one of our biggest ever crowds. All the bands were amazing, including Skadilly who we"re mates with and play with quite often.'

They won a day in a recording studio after getting high praise from the judges, who included music teachers, staff from Dawsons music shop, members of other bands, and Phil Ray from independent record label Breakin" Even. Ms Collins said: 'They were completely blown away by the standard.

'We hope to do something similar next year.

'I"d really like to thank the staff at Loddon Valley for all their support.'

The runner-up was solo guitarist and singer Lizzy Massey from Maidenhead. The other competitors were Wokingham bands Refuse The Hero and Clockwork, Nico and his Nearly Rhythm and Blues Orchestra from Earley, Darklight from The Piggott School in Wargrave, and Skadilly, from Maiden Erlegh School, who are playing Maidenhead Carnival on June 12.