AN Evesham band are hoping to hit the big time with a new album and a chance for stardom.

Volta have made it through to the final round of a nationwide Battle of the Bands contest and they are offering music fans a chance to see the final for themselves.

The contest attracted an initial entry of about 300 bands and Volta have mad it through to the final 12, who will play off at a major event at the Wolfrun Hall in Wolverhampton on Saturday, May 25.

The event starts at 3.30pm with a disco going on until 1am and Volta are so keen to win that they are laying on free transport for anyone who wants to go to the gig, although entry to the Wolfrun Hall costs £5.

Tickets and further information on transport are available by calling 07870 960289.

The band formed only eight months ago and drummer Jamie Griggs said: "We have been likened to a cross between the Foo Fighters and Bananarama.

"Things have gone from strength to strength and it seems to be going extremely well. It just seems that everybody likes the material that we play."

The five-piece band recently released their first, self-financed, album, Representing Nobody, which can be bought for £6 from Thomas Oliver Hairdressers in Evesham High Street, Vine Music or from the band's website, www.voltaweb.freeservers.com.

Volta have also been invited to play at a showcase gig for record companies in London in June, but anyone who wants to check them out now can catch them at Chipping Campden Royal British Legion from 8pm tomorrow (Friday).