WHEN members of a newly-formed rock band were looking for a name they settled for Ignorance - but proved they were anything but when it came to music.

The group beat the competition to win a battle of the bands contest at Chicago Rock, in Chester-le-Street. They are now hoping to record their first CD.

Drummer Andy Scott, 16, of Chester-le-Street, said: "There was no particular reason why we chose our name.

"We were looking through the dictionary, tried the name and it worked."

Ignorance, made up of students from the town's Hermitage Comprehensive, was one of ten bands taking part in the contest. All the others were from the town's Park View Comprehensive School. Andy said: "We have done gigs before. We entered the contest for a bit of fun, really, but winning it has opened our eyes to the possibilities.

"We have already been offered more gigs as a result of winning."

The band plays a variety of styles, including heavy and glam rock.

Andy said: "Something is sure to come of this. We are going to start writing our own music and are planning to record a CD."

The other band members are Paul Phillips, 17, on lead guitar, Jack Elliott on bass guitar and Matthew Spence, 17, who is the lead singer.

The band won £100 in vouchers for a music shop and a day's recording at the White Wolf Studios, in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.