THE organisers of Okehampton Battle of the Bands are looking to recruit as many local acts as possible to take part in the 2013 competition as the application process is now open.

Organisers have received the first few applications since they started accepting entries, and are hoping to get many more entries in the coming months.

One of the organisers, Chris Hodgson, said: 'Last year we had no Okehampton bands enter the competition. We really want to change that this year and get as many as possible to come and take part.

'We welcome entries from any genre or style, so we want every band in the Okehampton area to come along and get involved.'

First prize in the contest is an EP recording package with Alove Music, with other prizes to be announced.

The dates for the competition heats are July 3, July 10 and July 17, and the 2012 winners the Badland Bandits are due to play a headline set at the final heat. The spectacular Party in the Park finale is planned for August 3.