LONDON’S O2 stage is just one step away for an up and coming band which struck a chord with the judges.

The Fixed, made up of pupils from Isambard Community and Bradon Forest schools, have made it through to the area final of the Live And Unsigned competition.

The teenagers scored success in their performance at the regional final in Reading on Sunday and they are hoping to triumph against acts from the south west and Wales in the next round in May.

Singer and rhythm guitarist Ash Wiseman, 16, of Moredon, said: “We have our own sound, we all come from such different backgrounds and we have all formed together.

“We are very energetic on stage and we don’t shy away from things. We know what we want.

“We may look young but we know what we are doing.

“It is nice to know that age isn’t a factor and the judges are not just putting us through because we are young.”

Also in the band is George Hosking, 16, on bass guitar, Josh Pannell, 16, who is the lead guitarist, and Harry Wiseman, 13, on drums.

“We think we’re in with a chance of winning,” said Ash.

“I think we have got something. We have got a good as chance as any,”

The band performs songs written by Ash, including one called Collide And Hold he wrote for the audition.

And for the performance on Sunday they merged their own song, Faye, with a track by The Hives called I Hate To Say I Told You So.

More than 10,000 acts entered Live And Unsigned across the country.

If The Fixed are successful in London they will win £10,000 and will perform at 15 festivals across the UK this summer.

There will also be a £10,000 publicity investment in the winners.

As well as taking part in the competition, The Fixed will also be performing at Lechlade Festival and Big Arts Day this year.

Chris Grayston, the event director of Live And Unsigned, said: “When you consider the amount of entries we had this year it’s a big deal to have got to this stage, and be just one performance away from fulfilling the dream of performing at The O2.”

The area final showcase takes place on May 27 at Sub89 in Friar Street, Reading.

for more information about the band visit www.

facebook.com/ thefixedband.

For tickets to the show, visit the website at www.LiveandUnsigned.UK.com.