AN EXCITING finale to the 2012 Okehampton Battle of the Bands thrilled around 1,000 people in Simmons Park last Saturday.

The competition kicked off in July, with the first of the three qualifying heats, and Saturday's Party in the Park saw the four bands who had navigated their way through the heats take to the stage, along with headline act Joey the Lips.

One of the event's organisers Chris Hodgson said: 'The weather held, although we had dramatic thunder and lightning, and the crowds thronged to be entertained by everything that the party had to offer.

'All the bands were brilliant and to give the judges a really tough time, they all did something a little bit different to what they had previously done in the heats.

'This fantastic event celebrates everything that is good about the town, local people organising the event, local businesses and organisations supporting it and local people making it the family community event of the year.'

The first band on stage were Pirate Copy, a punk outfit armed with a treasure chest of chocolate coins, paper pirate hats for the crowd and a repertoire of sea shanties with a punk twist.

Second on the bill were Dirty Dusk from Torquay. Playing their second show of the day, the band presented their polished indie sound with great confidence and skill.

Next on the bill were The Aurora Skies, who also played the Party in the Park in 2010. They returned with a heavier rock sound, and were well supported by their fan base travelling from Dawlish.

The final band were Plymouth-based rockers Badland Bandits, whose heavy sound is influenced by a slew of American bands, including Guns 'n' Roses and Motley Crue.

Facing a tough decision, the judges eventually selected Badland Bandits as the winners, with their showmanship, tight technical skills and vocal prowess clinching them the prestigious trophy donated by Jackie from Pearsalls Jewellers, an EP recording package from Alive Music, a custom guitar from Earthwork Guitars and a stage backdrop from SWH Signs.

The prizegiving did not end there, with the Aurora Skies winning billing at Chagstock 2013 and vocal coaching from Wren Music, Pirate Copy winning vouchers from Project Music, and Dirty Dusk winning a prize from Rock Chicken.

There were also individual accolades, with the performer of the night, the vocalist from Pirate Copy receiving a £100 cheque from Herbs and Spices, and musician of the night, a member of The Aurora Skies, who received £100 from D&S Supplies.

The event was drawn to a close by Joey the Lips, creating a real party atmosphere with their funky songs and dance-friendly sound. Throughout the evening the crowds were also entertained by compere Tony King and a fire-breather.

The Battle of the Bands Committee expressed thanks to Steven's Estate Agents, Herbs and Spices, the Plymouth Inn, Okehampton United Charity, the main sponsors for this year's event, and all the businesses, organisations and people who lent their support.