Big chance for region's bands.

Teesside bands desperate for a record deal are being urged to contact a North-east music promotion agency.

Generator, which exists to promote all North-east musicians and bands, has six slots available at a showcase gig at an influential annual music industry conference in September.

The Manchester In The City event is regarded as one of the key events in the music business for artists without a record contract.

This year, Generator has six slots available for North-east acts, which play original material, at the Spearhead event on September 17. The audience at the show will be made up of music business executives and talent scouts.

Jim Mawdsley, director of Generator said: "This is a great opportunity for artists and bands who are determined to make it, to mix with the industry and display their talents."

* Anyone who fancies a shot at the show should send a tape or CD, a photograph and biography to Marie Bell at Generator, 2nd Floor, Black Swan Court, 69 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tune, NE1 1SG.