A COTSWOLDS band who blend blues and rock with a groovy and modern edge have reached the national final of a talent contest.

The Laurence Jones Band will take to London’s Scala on Tuesday, March 26 for the final of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues after winning the North West heat in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside.

Based in Shipston, the promising young group hope to become Britain’s best unsigned blues talent.

After winning the heat Laurence said: "It was a brilliant experience to perform live with 5 other really talented blues acts. I’m really excited and can’t wait to play in the final in London. I’d like to thank Tourism New Brunswick for providing this great opportunity and for taking us one step closer towards Canada.”

The overall winner of the competition will get an all-expenses paid trip to the beautiful maritime province of New Brunswick in Canada to perform on one of the main stages at the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival in the provinces’ capital Fredericton in September.

The province has been looking to the UK to provide new performers for its world-renowned Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.

Lee George, the competition’s organiser, said: “The competition at this heat was fierce. Six excellent acts provided a great evening of live entertainment. But there had to be just one overall winner and the Laurence Jones Band was chosen.”

He added: “Travelling to the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival could be a life-changing opportunity to perform amongst the very best and to sample ‘the jewel of Atlantic Canada’ and all that the Province has to offer.”

For more information, go to facebook.com/NewBrunswickBattleoftheBlues.