POPULAR Barnsley band The Headliners are in the last 20 of a competition entered by about 800 groups.

The group entered the song, Bottle After Bottle, in the AKG unsigned heroes competition and were surprised to get this far.

Singer Sam Stevens, 23, of Blythe Street, Wombwell, said: "We thought we were good enough but did not really expect to get this far because you never know what people are looking for."

The band, including Sam, drummer Oliver Yonchev, guitarists Leroy Smith and Sean Parkin and bassist Pat Holding, have been together just over a year. They have done several gigs in Barnsley and are building up a following in Sheffield.

Another Barnsley band, the ska-influenced Catch-It Kebabs, are also in the last 20 of the unsigned competition.

Readers can listen to and vote for either group by visiting www.unsignedheroes.co.uk.