RISING North-East rock talent Pete Shoulder is hoping a one-off London gig could pave the way to the big time.

The 17-year-old guitarist, singer and songwriter, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, is performing today at a club in the centre of the capital for record label big-wigs. He hopes the show could land him a recording deal.

The youngster, who began playing at the age of 12, built up a big reputation among music fans across the region with his former band, the blues rock outfit Blue Shoulder.

The group won acclaim when it opened last year's Stanley Blues Festival, County Durham, which former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor headlined.

Now, with a backing band made up of former members of Durham group Sugarwood, Mr Shoulder has signed a three-year management deal with Steve Weltman, who managed the late Alan Hull, main songwriter with Lindisfarne.

"The manager sorted the gig out and he's got people like Dreamworks - Steven Spielberg's company - Warner, Hollywood Records, producers and publishing coming along," Mr Shoulder said.

"Sony Publishing are flying in from New York, apparently, and Epic Records and Independiente, who have The Beautiful South and Travis, will be there."

A coach for about 20 family and friends made the trip south.

Mr Shoulder, who writes his own material, is backed by Pete Phillips on drums, keyboard player Mick Byrne and bassist Phil Broome.

The band has been rehearsing for the 40-minute gig and also performed a handful of low-key pub gigs, in the Durham area.