A TECHNICAL studies student will swap his safety goggles for his guitar to record in a professional studio after winning a battle of the bands competition.

Peter Glasby, 18, from Billingham, impressed the judges at the TTE Technical Training Group's Battle of the Bands with his James Morrison style.

He performed three songs, including his composition, entitled Find Out, to take the top spot in the contest.

He won a professional recording session at Mirage Music Studio in Marske.

Six acts, including solo artists and bands made up of students and trainers, performed in front of a panel of judges at TTE's Centre of Vocational Excellence, in South Bank, Middlesbrough.

The event was organised by mechanical trainer Kevin Peel, as part of the TTE student enrichment programme that aims to encourage students to take part in activities outside the normal scope of training.

The students who were not performing were involved in other elements of the production, such as event planning, stage-building, stage-managing, lighting and health and safety requirements, as part of their key skills activities.

Peter, who has just completed two years at TTE on the electrical maintenance programme, said: "It was a great afternoon, especially being invited back on stage after winning to perform an encore of Don't Look Back in Anger, by Oasis.

"I'm not thinking of a career change, but it will be very exciting to record one of my own songs in a professional studio. I'm then planning to publish it on Myspace for everyone to hear."

TTE's apprenticeship business director, Keith Leslie, said: "Not only were the performances superb, but the organisation was exemplary, too.

"The students worked well behind the scenes to ensure that every element of the battle of the bands went smoothly."