Young Bradford band Hot Ice are through to the next stage of national talent contest Live And Unsigned.

The band, aged 12 to 15, battled against hundreds of auditionees to secure a spot in regional heats and will now take part in a live head-to-head battle on March 7 in Salford in front of a professional judging panel to compete for a place at the Live And Unsigned Festival at London’s O2 Arena.

The overall winner is offered a recording and management contract with Future Music and up to £30,000 to release a debut single. Hot Ice – which comprises Tom Jowett, Joe McGrath, Danny and Luke Jowett and Jack Briers – formed a year ago at Rock School in Leeds and originally called themselves the Red Hot Mini Cheddars.

Their rock/indie style includes cover versions of songs by the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Santana and Kings Of Leon, as well as their own material.

The band’s next gig is at Wibsey Rugby Club on Saturday, March 6, on the eve of their big Live And Unsigned heat.

- For more information about Live And Unsigned, visit LiveandUnsigned.UK.com.