Forgotten Roots have now secured a place in the Live and Unsigned 2009 area final, with just one performance away from making the national finals.

Previously battling through rounds of auditions and a regional live final, they are now one step closer to winning the top prize of a recording contract.

Forgotten Roots, who comprise Mark Shaw, Graham Tomilin, Sean Benham and Tony Hardy, will be joined by other regional finalists Libby Hancock, Titus Music, and Saint and The Cynics at the area finals for the north east and Scotland, at The Journal Tyne Theatre in Newcastle, on Saturday, May 2, where they will compete for a place in the national grand final.

Drummer, 19-year-old Tony Hardy, said the band were delighted to get through to the next stage of the competition, and hoped they could take it all the way.

"We take our influence from everyday life when writing songs," he said.

"We discuss issues such as relationships and alcoholism which affect them and other people on a daily basis.

"When the judges were revealing the names of the bands to progress to the next round, we waited behind the curtain, and the mood that passed over us all standing behind the curtain was inexplicable."

Forgotten Roots will battle it out to win the top prize of a recording and management contract with Future Music, and an investment of up to £20,000 to release a single.

For more information log on to www.liveandunsigned.uk.com or for more information about Forgotten Roots visit www.myspace.com/forgottenrootsuk