A ROCK band formed at Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom a year ago are hoping to build on their initial success.

The Afterparty, comprising four talented 15-year-olds, proved a class act when they won the recent Rock@The Rock “battle of the bands” event in Bury.

Now, thanks to the prize of studio time to record a demo CD, the band’s own songs will be showcased to hopefully generate interest within rock circles.

Group members are school chums vocalist and guitarist Charlotte Berry, vocalist, guitar and piano player Charlie Roadknight, drummer Sean Fitzpatrick and guitarist Cameron Bagnall.

Charlotte’s mum, Christine, entered the band into the Rock@TheRock event which saw The Afterparty compete with 10 other groups for the first prize.

Christine said: “They really enjoyed it and were up against bands who were a lot more experienced.”

Charlotte’s firm commitment to the group led her to pull out from being a bridesmaid at her uncle’s wedding which coincided with The Rock event.

Christine said: “When she found out about The Rock event just a week before, she decided she couldn’t go to the wedding. But she did attend the reception.”

Christine, of Bolton Road, Hawkshaw, explained: “They all play instruments and came together a year ago to form the group. They practise after school, at dinner times and at weekends.”

The Afterparty made their debut at the recent Hawkshaw Gala.

The teenagers are hopeful that a higher profile could lead to bigger things.

Counting Muse and the Arctic Monkeys among their influences, The Afterparty have secured a future slot at The Academy 3 in Manchester as they tread the route to potential national, musical acclaim.

The band will be playing at Manchester’s Academy 3 on Sunday, September 13. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased by ringing 079707 07265.