Four musicians who formed a band while still at school are today preparing to perform in front of a crowd of thousands at this weekend's Party in the Park.

Rock pop outfit Daze One beat off strong competition to be named winners of Danny and Nicky's Battle of the Bands, organised by Southern FM.

There were jubilant scenes at Karma, Brighton Marina, as the four likeable lads, who formed the band five years ago at Blatchington Mill School, Hove, were announced the winners.

Hundreds of bands sent in demo tapes to the radio station to be judged by music experts including Danny Pike and Nicky Keig-Shevlin, who present the early morning show.

Four heats were held to decide who would appear in the final to win the opportunity to be part of the line up at this Sunday's Party in the Park.

Daze One's win puts them on the same bill as some of the best known names in pop.

They include Peter Andre, who lives in Maresfield and has just had a son with glamour model Jordan, who also went to Blatchington Mill School.

Blue heart-throbs Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe will be performing, along with Daniel Bedingfield, McFly, Rooster, Uniting Nations, Mark Owen, Ben Adams and Freefaller.

Daze One's catchy numbers Treasure Maps, How Does it Feel and Blinding Light helped win over the judges.

With lead singer Clark Maides, 19, energetically and confidently strutting on stage with his guitar, Richard Rigby on guitar and vocals, Sam Irvin on bass, and Steve Pottinger on drums, the group produce a full sound in the style of Coldplay and Embrace.

Clark said: "We played a good set and felt we had the audience at Karma with us. It will be great to play at Party in the Park and hopefully we will go on to get more gigs, make more CDs and take up music full time."

Other finalists included The Wonderfuls, a three-piece band featuring Tom Sears on vocals and guitar, Jason King on bass, and Sam Funnel on drums, who impressed with their original songs, which included My Head Is Turning.

Lovers of heavy metal and pure rock were hoping H8Ball from Eastbourne would be the winners.

Once again the floors vibrated as the heavily tattooed band members played their set.

H8Ball are a highly professional outfit with Grant Huggair on lead vocals, the appropriately named Toby Rock on guitar, Rob Tab on rhythm guitar, Steven Barry on bass and Terry Hookham on drums.

Grant, 37, said: "We have got our fans. We have enjoyed being part of Battle of the Bands and although we are disappointed at not winning, we will continue with our philosophy live now, die later."

Daze One will be part of the line up for the four-hour show on Sunday, which begins at noon.

Entry is ticket only and £10 tickets can now only be obtained from 02 stores across Sussex.