INDIE/grunge outfit The Fenders are hoping to hit the big time after landing a place in the regional finals of the Live and Unsigned band search. Frontman Luke Cable, of Beckton,(vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), bass player Bob Haydon and his drummer son

INDIE/grunge outfit The Fenders are hoping to hit the big time after landing a place in the regional finals of the Live and Unsigned band search.

Frontman Luke Cable, of Beckton,(vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), bass player Bob Haydon and his drummer son Paul, of Poplar, impressed the judges with their song, Born a Gambling Man, written by Luke.

The former Langdon School, East Ham, pupil said: "We've been performing together for about two years. At first we were mostly a covers band, playing at venues around east London, but more recently we've started doing our own, original stuff.

"We play at The Liquor Inn, Devons Road, Bow, and The Bridge House, Bidder Street, Canning Town."

The Fenders entered the Live and Unsigned competition last year, but were unable to compete due to ill health. This year the organisers rang to ask them to take part.

Live and Unsigned 2009 is the UK's largest competition for live, original acts.

The Fenders will compete live on stage against the other finalists at The Town Gate Theatre in Basildon on April 14.