A teenage rock band from Sussex just missed out on winning a prestigious battle of the bands.

Judges spent an hour deciding whether Conway or Portslade-based No Direxion should win the nation-wide contest organised by The Fountain venue in Tottenham, north London.

They had whittled the choice down to two from the 68 bands who entered the original heats and the four who reached Saturday's final.

However, while praising No Direxion they ultimately plumped for the older, Norwich-based outfit.

More than 60 No Direxion fans travelled to north London to support singer Ashley Plank, lead guitarist Gareth Harwood, bassist Tom Cook, drummer Ryan O'Sullivan and rhythm guitarist Tom Clarke.

Although the punk rock five-piece just missed out on the £2,000 prize, manager Doug Clarke saw it as a positive experience.

He said: "They performed brilliantly, especially considering all the other bands were in their mid- to late-twenties.

"The judges spent an hour deliberating but unfortunately it wasn't quite to be. It was a great experience though and everyone enjoyed themselves."

All five band-members have just finished their A-levels and are each taking gap years before going to university.

Mr Clarke said: "They've got a couple of gigs lined up now and they'll be going into the studio to record an album and take it from there. There are a number of people who are interested in them."