HAMPSHIRE indie rockers The Novatones will be judged by Slade frontman Noddy Holder, Radio 1 DJ Greg James and R’n’B star Shola Ama in the final of Live and Unsigned at the 02 Arena this summer.

The four piece band, from Chandler’s Ford, triumphed at the Southern Regional Final of the contest, the UK’s largest national music competition for original artists, bands, vocal groups and solo artists, winning themselves a slot at the July festival.

Renowned for live shows with lots of crowd participation and special effects, they wowed judges at Portsmouth Guildhall this week with their energetic indie rock with a dash of punk.

The Novatones, made up of Anthony Pittman on rhythm guitar and vocals, drummer Sean Swift, Stewart Page on bass and vocals and lead guitarist Tony Smith, write much of their own music. One of their most catchy tunes is Don’t Rob Banks, a tune penned about the failed attempt to raid the HSBC in Chandler’s Ford in 2007, and they also play some brilliant covers such as The Who’s My Generation.

The Novatones have a big following in the area and are regulars at The Brook and The Joiners in Southampton.

They are now in with a chance of winning around £100,000 in prizes, including a recording contract with Future Music.

Acts joining them from the Southern Final are pop punksters Landscapes to Citylights from East Cowes, Bournemouth’s BB3 and Ollie Coombes from Salisbury.

They will perform at the 02 grand final on Saturday, July 10 in an event which includes performances from competition finalists, guest acts, celebrity judges and DJs.

The overall winner of Live and Unsigned will be crowned on the main stage in front of a crowd of more than 2,500.

To cheer on The Novatones at the final, visit liveandunsigned.uk.com.