Three teenagers have scooped a top prize in the national final of a competition designed to showcase the best unsigned musical talent from across the UK.

Their band Purity beat more than 10,000 applicants to reach the last stage of the Live and Unsigned contest in London, where they picked up a publicity award.

The prize is given to bands who generate the most press exposure and was given to the group after they featured in the Thanet Extra, on radio station kmfm and www.thanetextra.co.uk

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

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.

The band are now rehearsing for a 1970s extravaganza at Quex Park, Birchington, on Saturday, July 19, which will raise money for Cancer Care and other local charities.

Mr Hibben said: “As soon as Live and Unsigned was over, the band was together and rehearsing again. The boys are so dedicated and determined and they won’t take any time off.”

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