A RADICAL teen punk band battled their way to victory in a Battle of the Bands

The Antiseptics were crowned overall winners at the final of the first battle competition at The Forum, in Darlington.

The lively four-piece battled their way through three intensive heats to make the final, which saw them compete against three other local bands.

Connor Macpherson, 16, Chris Nottingham, 18, Jamie Campbell, 18, and Leon Matthews, 15, formed The Antiseptics in 2012 and use their music to combat racism and homophobia.

Previous performances from the band include an appearance at the renowned Rebellion Music Festival in Blackpool.

Lead singer Connor said his passion for music provides a creative outlet for the frustration he experiences at those who he feels look down on him because he lives on a council estate.

He said: “It was an absolutely brilliant night. We had fun and really got the audience going – I think it’s one of the best gigs we’ve ever played.”

The judging panel - including staff from world-famous record shop Sound it Out and other music industry professionals - praised the band for challenging the origins of punk music, which Goy Boy McIlroy musician David Saunders described as being “soaked in homophobia”.

Radio presenter and judge Tim Lichfield said: “They’re such a tight-knit band and the crowd loved them – they’re what music is all about.”

Their success at the Battle of the Bands competition entitles The Antiseptics to a recording session at The Forum and two future gigs at the venue as well as a slot at the upcoming Darlington carnival, a gig in York and an in-store performance at Sound it Out Records in Stockton.