LOCAL bands are being invited to showcase their talents later this month.

The Battle of the Bands contest will be held in Northallerton on June 19.

It is hoped that up to eight groups will take to the stage at the Hambleton Forum.

Band members must be between the ages of 11 and 19 and ideally live in the Hambleton area.

A panel of judges will decide which band gets to play at the CultureShock Youth Arts Festival in Pickering in July.

The event is being organised by Hambleton District Council, with support from Connecting Youth Culture.

It is sponsored by Broadacres Housing Association.

Tickets for 11 to 16-years-olds are £3 each and are available from the Hambleton Leisure Centre or on the door at the Forum. The event starts at 7pm.

For more information or to enter a band, call Kate Staines on 01609-767203.