MUSIC fans will be able to vote online for their favourite local group ahead of next month's Middlesbrough Music Live Festival.

The winning band will be asked to play on the same main stage as guests Junior Senior and Reef.

Festival organiser Graham Ramsey said: "This element of a people's vote is something exciting. It's not something we have tried before.

"Obviously these bands are at an early stage of their career. People won't know who they are. What we are doing is giving them a chance to hear some of their music.

"There will be some big agents and bands looking at this website and I am sure if there is one phenomenal band, there is a good chance someone who is established will offer a contract.''

The winning group will open the festival.

Would-be recording stars are asked to send demo tapes and CDs to organisers. The closing date is next Monday.

A panel of Music Live judges will pick their six favourite acts, which will be put on the Inter- net at www.middlesbroughmusiclive.co.uk, ahead of the festival on May 26.

Mr Ramsay, of promoters Ten Feet Tall, said: "We're going into this with a completely open mind. We promise that we'll listen to every single demo we receive, and all types of music will be given equal consideration."

Middlesbrough's HMV store will be home to a demo bin.

The demos will be entered into the store's national quest to find new musical talent with a major recording deal being the star prize.