A teenager from Broomfield and his band have scooped a top prize in a national competition.

Live and Unsigned is designed to showcase the best unsigned musical talent from across the UK.

Purity beat more than 10,000 applicants to reach the last stage of the contest in London, where they picked up a publicity award, given to bands who generate the most press exposure.

The band comprises of drummer Jordan Baker, 14, from Broomfield, guitarist Jack McGowen, 17, from Margate, and bass guitarist and lead vocalist Richard Spanton, 15, also from Margate.

Vic Hibben, the band’s promoter, said: “Although they didn’t pick up the overall prize to make it to the national finals was a remarkable achievement.

“The band was only formed in 2006 but they’re already going places. They’ve had a really exciting year, especially with Live and Unsigned and the Wow Factor competition which was held in Canterbury a couple of months ago.”

Purity’s success in the competition guarantees them a day in a professional recording studio, where it is believed they will work with Mark Hill, producer of R&B star Craig David.

For more information about Purity, visit www.puritytheband.co.uk or their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/purityseven