The Mojito's entered the Battle of the Bands and picked up thousands of votes from fans for their track Where the North Wind Blows.

The band were only formed in October 2007 and it was the first competition they had entered as a band.

Singer and guitarist in the band Al Elliot said: "We did not really know what to think of it and it was the first competition we had entered and so we just thought we would do it, but the support that we have received has been amazing.

"People all over the world had been voting for us and showed us a huge amount of support."

The pop rock number consists of Alan, drummer Kev Adamson, bass guitarist Paul Sidley and guitarist Sam Hayward, who are all from Wallsend and Whitley Bay.

Now thanks to the win they have secured free recording time in a top studio and 500 free copies of their CD.

Now the band hope to continue playing gigs across the north east, and hope to perform a benefit concert for the Blue Door Project, where the band rehearse.

Alan runs the Blue Door Project with his wife Vicki, which is a facility that provides training and support for adults with learning disabilities.

The Blue Door Project picked up the business start up of the year award at the small business awards in March.

Alan said: "It is two awards in as many weeks which is great.

"We are hoping to do a new recording demo continue to play the live circle."

For more on The Mojitos, log on to their myspace website The Mojitos

• To listen to The Mojito's single, Where the North Wind Blows click on the audio link