STUDENTS at a Darlington college had a lesson in live music from a top Indie band.

We Start Fires, who are more used to playing for celebrity fans such as Radio 1 DJ Zane Low, took time out from recording their debut album to play a gig at their old school.

The hotly-tipped four-piece were special guests at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College's Battle of the Bands competition.

Bass player Nikki Vaughan said: "Three members of the band are former pupils, so it was great to go back.

"It was a fantastic audience to play to, but it was a bit weird for us because all our old teachers were there too."

Darlington was recently named as a hotbed of underground musical talent in the NME magazine, and Queen Elizabeth students are doing their best to make sure that reputation endures for years to come.

Battle of the Bands winners were The Brass Bandits, also known as college pupils Jack Madden, Michael Chapman, Jonathan Wormold, Laurie Martin, James Denham and Simon Roberts.

Principal David Heaton presented them with their prize of £200-worth of recording time at the Forum, Darlington.

Singer Jack said: "It was absolutely amazing and we are astounded that we won. We did not care where we came, as long as the crowd got behind us and had a good time."

Runners-up were Isotopia in second, and the Subliminals in third place.

We Start Fires play at Bacchaus, Beaumont Street, Darlington, next Friday. For more details, visit www.westart fires.co.uk