THREE of the region's top unsigned bands will kick-start a venture aimed at giving up-and-coming talent a stage.

Colin McCosh, who has worked for various music publications in the region, came up with the idea of the showcase event after growing increasingly dissatisfied at the local music scene.

As more and more cover and tribute bands began to spring up, crowding out the original artists, he realised the need to nurture those acts.

He has secured Middlesbrough Town Hall as a venue for what he hopes will be a series of monthly concerts, starting on Friday, November 3.

All three of the acts for this show are from the region. Lucas and Venus in Furs are the top two bands working out of Darlington, and they will be joined by Newcastle outfit Sonus.

The shows will be called Sonngs (Showcases for OriginalNorthern and National Groups). In the future, Mr McCosh hopes line-ups will include new acts from around the country touring with their debut albums, supported by talent from the region.

Mr McCosh said: "The idea is to promote our local, live scene on a bigger scale and let enthusiasts hear local bands in a major environment."

Tickets are now on sale, costing £3 and £2, with concessions for NUS members, UB40 holders and pensioners, on (01642) 242561.

Doors open at 7pm, and there will be a bar until 11.30pm.