OXFORDSHIRE band Outcry are aiming to win a competition entered by more than 10,000 groups and land a record deal to launch their career.

Live and Unsigned is a national music competition for unsigned bands and singers who want to prove they can be the next big thing.

It is the biggest music talent search in the country after ITV's X-Factor, with more than 10,000 registrations last year.

Outcry - made up of Mark Roberts, Joe O'Neil and Jose Fernandez, from Bicester, and Oxford's David McMahon - will take part in the regional semi-finals at the Wulfrun Hall, in Wolverhampton, on Saturday, March 15.

Vocalist David, 21, and Mark, 24, who plays keyboards, met in 2005 while living in a caravan in Launton. They recruited Joe, 22, and Jose, 24, last year.

David said: "It feels great to have got through to the next round. There were some really good bands at the heats.

"We have been working hard to get where we are and at the moment we're really enjoying the experience.

"It's challenging and that's what we like.

"There are a lot of good bands out there, and to get through to the semis is a fantastic feeling. The adrenaline is overwhelming, but we're going to be realistic about it, it's our first competition. We just really want to enjoy it and have fun."

Mark said: "Our music is unique but may be categorised as pop/alternative. None of our music sounds the same, as we like to mix it up a bit but, while doing so, still retaining our sound. It's difficult to compare our sound to anyone else."

The overall winner of the competition will get a recording and management contract with Future Music. Up to £20,000 will be spent to help launch the winners' career.

David said: "The best thing about the band is that we all get along very well. I think you need that sort of relationship for any band to perform well. It would be a great achievement to go all the way and I think Outcry can do it.

"Winning would be unreal but if we don't then just having some exposure for the band and our music is fantastic."