A DORCHESTER band hit all the right notes as they triumphed in a competition to spot young musical talent.

The Stylers emerged victorious after battling it out with other local acts in a three county Battle of the Bands competition.

They were up against performers from across Devon, Dorset and Somerset at the event in Thorncombe and claimed not just the title for the best under 21 band but were also named overall winners.

The band received their double award from key event partner Beviss and Beckingsale solicitors.

The four musicians won a full day in a recording studio with professional producer Phil Nicholas, who has worked with a number of top acts, including Def Leppard, Billy Ocean and Bryan Adams.

Mark Carlisle from Beviss and Beckingsale, who presented the youngsters with their prize, said: “Supporting the local community is one of our firm’s core values.

"That’s why

we were delighted to be involved with the Battle of the Bands (TBOB).

"The quality of entrants was extremely high, but The Stylers were deserved winners.

“It’s great to see such talented youngsters. No doubt they will make great use of this opportunity and go on to bigger things.

"They are charming and dedicated and I wish them the very best of luck.”

The youngest member of the band, 16-year-old lead guitarist Will Davies, has just taken his GCSEs at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester.

His fellow bandmates drummer Nat Burnell and Alfie Neale, who plays rhythm guitar and is lead vocalist, are both 17 and are in the sixth form at Thomas Hardye.

Bass guitarist Arthur Lashmar, 19, has just left and is about to take up a place at Exeter University.

Will said: “Winning TBOB means the world to us as it was our first competition. We only started playing together about six months ago and exams have got in the way of rehearsals.

"Winning really encourages us to carry on with our music.”

Phil Gordon, TBOB organiser and promoter, said: "The standard of musicianship in the competition was outstanding and the feeling of encouragement between the bands was fabulous to see.”