An indie group from Hove took the top spot in one of the tightest heats yet in the Battle of the Bands.

Daze One impressed the judges in the competition run by Southern FM breakfast presenters Danny and Nicky.

With only three weeks to go before the final of the contest, which has captured the imagination of the Sussex music scene, Daze One were judged the winners to the delight of fans who packed the West Quay bar at Brighton Marina.

Out of four acts, Daze One had penned the most original songs and were thought by judges to have the greatest stage presence.

They are now in with a chance to perform in front of thousands at the Party in the Park in Preston Park, Brighton, on July 17, possibly taking their first steps to stardom.

First to perform in the second heat was The Fused from Worthing. Fronted by two talented guitarists and singers, Adrian Hackson and Phil McGraph, and with Matt Harris on bass and vocals and Ryan Lee on drums, The Fused created a heavy guitar sound.

The originality of Papa Shango, a Brighton-based band with Jake Yeboah as the rap-style vocalist, won over some judges. They have George Smith on drums, Joey Marsh on lead guitar and Ted Lott on bass.

They work well together backing the energetic Jake. All are still in their teens and their young raw talent can only improve with each gig.

Zucchini, a rock band from Hastings, were the last up. They were highly energetic on stage with lively guitar work.

They have Adam Hart on vocals and bass, Ross Page on guitar and lead vocals, Dave How on drums and Jamie J on guitar. Again another young band on the up.

But it was Daze One's night. The band features Clarke Maides on lead vocals, guitar and keyboards, Richard Rigby on guitar and vocals, Sam Irvin on bass and Steve Pottinger on drums.

Clarke said: "A lot of people compare us with Coldplay but we are not influenced by anyone.

"We work together on all our songs and we are doing jobs during the day, then rehearsing and playing at night. We all want to do this full time.

"Performing at Party in the Park would be great."

The next heat is on Wednesday at Hanrahans, The Marina, from 7pm to 9pm, when some of the younger bands in the competition will be participating.