AN up and coming county band is celebrating after being chosen to represent Worcestershire at the O2 Academy in Birmingham this weekend.

On Saturday, Chase the Deer will do the city proud when they play along a number of other bands from across the West Midlands at the venue — including Bewdley-based Swallows — after being chosen by Worcester Youth Music (WYM).

The special concert features young pop and rock musicians from across the West Midlands, with each county selecting a band or artist to represent them.

The band all met while studying at Pershore High School and formed a little over a year ago.

In that time they have won Battle of the Bands competitions and performed at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

Angus Evans, bassist, said the band can't wait to perform before the expected crowd of 3,000.

"Playing on the O2 main stage is a dream come true for us and we can’t wait," he said.

"We hope that teenagers from all over Worcester can come along and support us and help us show the Midlands how much we love our rock and pop music in Worcester.

"We have all been to see our favourite bands at the O2 and stood pressed against the barriers singing along to our favourite songs. On Saturday we get a chance to stand on that very stage and play our own songs. It's a dream come true for us. We're more excited then nervous but we desperately want to make Worcestershire proud.

"We really want to thank Brian Hoggard from WYM who is such a great champion for music of all kinds and for all young musicians in the county."

The band is also made up of George Frangoudes, Owen Taylor, Mikey Evans and Briony Watkins.

Worcester Youth Music is part of Worcestershire County Council and is supported by funding from Arts Council England, giving more than 9,000 children in Worcester the opportunity to learn and play music.

Tickets cost £9 or £7 for under 16s and can be purchased by visiting www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk.