A GROUP of talented young musicians have been selected as the first winners of a new-look battle of the bands competition.

The five-piece band Purple Mafia, from Ripon, have taken the “Sound of the Town” title in Northallerton.

And as well as the trophy they walked away from the context with a recording session and a £50 music store voucher.

The competition was judged by a secret panel of experts in the field using criteria such as effort, future potential, charisma, talent and suitability for audience. The project is a joint venture between Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire County Council’s 6K Vision Records project which supports young musicians.

It is supported by Broadacres Housing Association.