A rock band with strong connections to Maidstone are leading the way in a competition for unsigned bands.

At the time of going to print, and with just four days remaining, The Bram Stokers are top the Richer Unsigned chart, a monthly competition that offers bands a day of studio time.

Formed in 2007, the band consists of Matt Hocking, of Hayle Mill Road, on guitar and Mike Booth, of Lower Road, on bass and backing vocals.

The group is completed by vocalist Clive Peacock and 16-year-old Billy Birjukov, a drummer who joined a little over a year ago.

Frontman Mr Peacock said: “We are delighted by how many votes we have received, it’s really galvanised us.

“Second place however is breathing down our neck so we’d appreciate the support.”

The competition is backed by electrical company Richer Sounds and Q Magazine.

The winners will be chosen by public ratings and to vote visit: www.richerunsigned.com