MUSIC fans are running out of time if they want tickets for Thursday night's Big Chance concert.

Five of the best unsigned pop and rock acts will battle it out in the competition, run by The Northern Echo's music website, Revolution.

Fans will be able to vote for their favourite act in both of two categories on the night, while an online poll is ongoing.

Originally, three acts were shortlisted for each category, but one of the pop entries has pulled out because of meetings with industry heads in London.

County Durham acts Sarah Jane Watson and Northern Haze will battle it out in the pop section of the competition.

Rock fans can feed their ears on the sounds of Pincer, The Shining and Jibe, who will be competing to become best rock act.

The event takes place at Darlington College of Technology, Cleveland Avenue, Darlington, from 6.30pm on Thursday.

Entry to the event is free with a few tickets still available from V Shop, in Darlington and Durham, and The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington.

The online poll is also running at www.thisisrevolution.co.uk

Both polls will be brought together to find the top pop act and the top rock band, each of which will be lavished with top prizes, including studio time, hair makeovers and their CD on sale in big name stores.

There will also be prize draws and more on offer at the concert.