A Battle of the Bands competition came to a spectacular end on Friday when a Sheppey rock act took first prize.

Minster Working Men’s Club launched its contest back in January with 15 acts from across the borough.

Each month, a battle took place and a winner went through to the next round.

On Friday, the four remaining acts took to the stage at the club in Union Road, Minster, for the last time.

The finalists were New Regime, The Kairs, Hayley Kennedy and Dead Reckonin’.

More than 160 people went to watch the bands perform and the panel of five judges decided classic rockers Dead Reckonin’ deserved the £1,000 cash prize.

The Kairs took second place and were presented with £240 cash.

Dead Reckonin’ is made up of Ruth Collins, 22, Richard Francis, Ryan Hills and Tom Hook, all 17, and James Barber, 18.

Ruth said: “We were over the moon to win. It was a really good, fun competition and we always looked forward to the next round.

“When it came to the final, we were nervous but really excited and the audience was fantastic.

“All the acts were quite different so I thought it was anyone’s game.”

She added that after treating their manager Denise Hills to some flowers, the band will split their winnings between them and it will probably be used for Christmas presents.

Ivan Webster and Tracey Barnes, who organised the competition, said the final was a perfect end.

Ivan said: “The room went wild when they found out who won but it was quite close – they all upped their game.

“Friday made it all worthwhile – it was absolutely buzzing.”