WINNERS of The Northern Echo's rock and pop competition will take their first steps to stardom by appearing on Alpha Radio.

DJ Ricky Durkin, who hosted the gig on Thursday, was so impressed with the calibre of the performers that he would like the top acts - The Shining and Northern Haze - to be guests on the station.

The Big Chance final concert, at Darlington College of Technology, attracted more than 300 music fans from around the region.

Run by The Northern Echo's website, Revolution, the concert saw The Shining narrowly edging out competitors Pincer and Jibe to win the rock category. Sarah Jane Watson battled it out for the pop title with Northern Haze, who came out top.

The winners are awarded a three-day recording session at Sanity Multi-Media studio, in Stockton, and a make-over by Toni and Guy's, followed by a photo shoot.

They will also have their CD on sale at V Shop, Darlington, and will have a website designed and hosted by thisisrevolution.co.uk.

The music showcase was the culmination of nearly two months' work where more than 30 unsigned bands entered self-penned material to the Revolution judges.

The full results, stories and pictures can be found online at www.thisisrevolution.co. uk