MEET Flynn's Piece, the young Wirral rockers who have won this year's Wallasey Lions Club's Battle of the Bands' Contest.

Last year's runners up returned to pit their musical wits against two other bands in the grand final at Pacific Road Arts Centre, Woodside, Birkenhead, last Tuesday night.

Afterwards, John Witherspoon, the band's versatile singer, guitarist and keyboard player, said: "I felt we got a bit lucky this time around, but we are all delighted to have won.

"We've matured as a band over the last 12 months and work well as a team. We've had great support from everyone throughout the competition. I think we're better than half of the bands around at the moment."

Judging panellists on grand final night were myself and Radio Merseyside presenters Billy Butler, Lynn Staunton, Bobby Sox and Estelle Condliff.

Competing against the heat two winners were The Soundwaves, from Wirral Grammar School for Boys, who won the second round and Alexis Blue, from Mosslands School, Wallasey. The three bands came, entertained and won the audience over, but sadly in the end there could only be one winner. Congratulations to all who took part.

As well as receiving certificates and trophies, Flynn's Piece return to Pacific Road this Friday for Plus Support . . . An Unsigned Band Night'. They will also appear on Billy's radio show.

The group features 17 and 18-year-old students from Birkenhead School, St Mary's College and Liverpool Hope University. As well as John, the line-up also includes Nick Blair (drums), Richie Lawler (bass guitar) and Alex Griffiths (guitar).

Among the group's repertoire of self-penned songs on the night was the short and catchy anthem of teenage angst, I Was Young Once', which grabbed the judges' attention and would make a superb album track . . .

"It's a document of being 18," said John with a grin.

The Battle of the Bands' Contest began in March and a total of nine bands, representing local schools and colleges, have taken part. It was organised by Wallasey Lions Club and all profits will be used to fund educational projects.

Tickets for Friday's unsigned bands night (8pm) are available from Pacific Road box office on 647-0752. The evening also features performances from local bands Dirtblonde, The Affection and The Remedies.