IT is time to step up to the mic and prove your rock credentials as we launch Eastwood Youth Productions' Battle of the Bands competition for 2006.

Backed by the Echo, the competition is looking for young bands to battle it out with one being crowned top act at a live final in March.

Last year's competition saw Bullet Proof Cupid the winners of the coveted microphone trophy at the Studio Theatre, Eastwood. This year it could be you.

The winners will also be able to record their own professional demo CD and win the chance to go wild in HMV with record vouchers for each band member.

For the first time, the competition is being opened up to all bands with members aged from 11 to 18 from the local area.

It is organised by Eastwood Youth Productions in association with Eastwood High School and Kings Music Studio.

Daniel Edwards, of Eastwood Youth Productions, said: "Last year Battle of the Bands was very successful, packing out the 180-seat auditorium.

"This time we are looking to make it bigger and better and open the competition up to people under the age of 18 throughout the Southend community."

Judges for the competition include head of music at Eastwood school David Stanley, Matt Holburn of last year's winners, Bullet Proof Cupid, and Claire Borley, of the Echo.

To take part you must complete an online application form to get through to the first stage.

The second stage takes place on the weekend of February 11 and 12, when auditions will take place at the Studio Theatre, Rayleigh Road, Eastwood.

From there the acts will be whittled down to six of the best for the grand final on Saturday, March 11, where the winners will be crowned victorious and featured in the Echo.

If you think your band has what it takes to out-rock the competition then applications to take part can be made through a specially created website at: www.eastwoodbotb.co.uk

Published Tuesday, January 17, 2006