Teenage rock band Space Age Hero will play the prestigious Isle of Wight Festival alongside superstars Paul McCartney and Jay-Z after pestering organisers.

Guitarist Josh Parsons decided to stick to the phrase “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” as he set about making his dream come true.

For months the 17-year-old tried to contact festival organiser John Giddings to secure a slot for his band but his efforts amounted to nothing.

He got no response from his Twitter tweets and efforts to track down Mr Giddings' home address also turned up nothing.

It looked as if the dream of playing the festival was over before it had even begun.

But Josh, who plays rhythm guitar, refused to give up.

He said: “I was at a U2 concert in August last year and he suddenly arrived. He once said that if you want something go and get it.

“When he wanted Bob Dylan to play his festival he went to his house and asked.

“When I saw him at the U2 concert at Wembley I went over to him and asked 'Are you John Giddings?'.

“I started to explain that I was in a band and had been to his festival a few times and I put his quote to him about Bob Dylan and said we wanted a slot at the festival.”

Mr Giddings handed Josh his email address and since then the band hasn't looked back.

As well as Josh, the band, which hails from Shoreham and Southwick, comprises of lead guitarist George Surry, 18, drummer Andy Gray, 18, plus bassist and singer Jack Smith, 18.

The band is now set to play the acoustic stage at the Isle of Wight Festival on Saturday June 12 at 8.40pm.

Josh said: “We are really excited and can't wait. We are counting down the days until we go.”

Mr Giddings said: “The Isle of Wight Festival is pleased to give new up and coming talent a chance.

“We think Space Age Hero have a great chance of success.”

The band will be playing a warm-up gig on June 9 at Shoreham's Beach Dreams festival. They will also be playing at the Young Bands Night at Brighton Dome on June 16.