THE deadline has passed but the excitement begins in this year's Big Chance competition.

The Northern Echo music contest, in partnership with radio station tfm, seeks to find the region's top rock or pop act.

The winner will receive the prize of time in a recording studio and 100 CDs, plus art work.

More than 50 entries have been submitted and judges are sifting through the tracks to find the top ten so online voting can begin tomorrow.

The judging panel comprises Colin Paterson, programme director at TFM, Adam Sayers and Jonathan Burrows, of Sanity Multimedia recording studios in Stockton, and Michael Atkinson, Revolution web editor at The Northern Echo.

Mr Burrows, whose studio is giving the prize of a one-off recording contract, said this year's entries were excellent and, therefore, judging would be tough.

"It's going to be hard picking a winner," he said. "I am in the business and I am frequently listening to really good music. The entries in this competition are from some of the best bands and artists across the region."

Mr Atkinson said: "The range of music is impressive too. We have a lot of rock, some hip-hop, experimental rock, nu metal, thrash metal, pop and folk."

Music fans across the North-East and North Yorkshire are encouraged to log on to Revolution, starting tomorrow. The website can be found at www.thisisrevolution.co.uk.

Three finalists will perform at a play-off show at The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, on June 19. Tickets cost £3 at the door.

The Big Chance has been made possible by this year's sponsors, Darlington College of Technology, The Fourth Chamber, Northumbrian Water, Copperfield Clothing and Air Clothing, and Blackett, Hart and Pratt.