IT WAS an evening of raw young musical talent that blew the roof off a quiet Hampshire community.

The Bishops Waltham Battle of the Bands contest proved a roaring success as more than 300 people packed into the village's community hall to see rival youngsters take part in a fantastic musical extravaganza.

But there could only be one winner - and among the rock and pop bands, little Jasmin Wells, 11, of Soberton Heath, stole judges' hearts with her rendition of Bette Midler's Wind Beneath My Wings.

The Swanmore Technology College pupil was the youngest contender in the contest. She said: "I was shocked when they announced my name. I really didn't expect to win because the other bands were so good."

Coming in at joint second were bands, Dimension and The Shan.

Ali Fresh and the Tic Tacs, Man Made Material, and Oxy Haemoglobin were the other teenage acts to grace the stage.

The event, which was a huge hit with youngsters from the community, was organised by the Church of England's youth coordinator for the Bishops Waltham area, Reverend Stuart Holt, and was a chance for up and coming talent to show just what they could do.

Rev Holt said: "It was an excellent evening. All the bands proved just how good they were and I think they all have promising futures. Jasmin is a very talented girl."

He added: "The event was so popular that we have even organised another to take place later this year. It's a chance for other bands to have a go."

With a green room for interviews before bands performed as well as big screens to give the audience an authentic live music show feel, it was an ambitiously executed show.

Music talent spotters were also invited and up-and-coming signed local band The Ev-n played a set in the second half. To top it all off more than £900 was raised for a locally set up charity called Fame 4 Famine.

Reverend Holt said: "It couldn't have gone better. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we are planning the next one already."

The next Battle of the Bands will take place in Bishops Waltham on April 16. For more information call Rev Holt on 01489 877400.