FOUR Droitwich Spa students proved they really rocked when they took first prize in a battle of the bands contest.

Run as part of the Bromsgrove Festival 2001 in conjunction with the town's youth service, Fraid, a four piece alternative rock band, qualified for the finals after an initial heat.

They came up against four other local bands in the last round of the competition held at Bromsgrove's Ryland Centre, in New Road, and couldn't believe it when they came first and scooped £100.

Fraid is made up of four sixteen year-olds who are all studying for their GCSE exams at Droitwich Spa High School, in Briar Mill.

John Mynette plays the drums, Laura Edghill plays rhythm guitar and sings, Mike McGrath is on bass guitar and Tom Reader handles the vocals, lead guitar and writes most of the material.

After this recent success the four are working hard for their exams but afterwards plan to launch their four-track CD called Picture This and raise their profile.

John said they didn't expect to win the Battle of the Bands which is the first event the group have played but the future looks bright.

He also promised me a copy of Fraid's CD to review so watch this space.

One of the organisers of the fringe festival Sean Shannon said: "This was one of the best turnouts we have ever had."