TALENTED young musicians from North Ayrshire’s nine secondary schools hit the stage to battle it out for the title of Young Rock and Pop Musician of the Year at Ardrossan Civic Centre.

Top prize, courtesy of sponsors Ardrossan Music Experience, was £50, with £30 and £20 prizes for second and third place.

The winner will enjoy a recording session at FML studio in Motherwell.

The judges consisted of members of Ardrossan Music Experience as well as special guest Craig Forsyth of Irvine, who recently made it through to the battle stage of hit BBC show The Voice UK.

A high standard of entrants meant a difficult night for the judges, but the act that impressed most was Largs Academy’s Mini Bopz, featuring Sophie Cotton on vocals and Katie Purdue on guitar.

Chevon & Molly from St Matthew’s Academy in Saltcoats took second place, followed by Garnock Academy band The Best Bad Influence in third.

Provost Ian Clarkson said: “I thoroughly enjoyed this event, and yet again I was amazed by the high standard of musicianship on display from North Ayrshire school pupils.

“Congratulations to the winner, runners up, and all of the finalists on the night. You made it a tough job indeed for the judges and did your yourselves and your schools proud.”