THEY are not your typical rock and roll stars, but the finalists in Bolton's Rock School competition aim to prove they have what it takes when it comes to music.

The eight youngsters who have made it through to the final all auditioned four weeks ago for places in two as-yet-unnamed bands.

They are Timothy Cooke, Robert Wolstonecraft, Jake Whelan, Ryan Wood, Chris Burke, Danielle Hayes, Johnny Wood and Michael Roberts.

The first band will include Timothy, Robert, Jake, Ryan and Chris, while the second will star Johnny, Michael and Danielle.

Now they are just days away from their first gig at Bolton Music Showcase's Young Bands event, to be held at the Phoenix Centre, in Bark Street, Bolton, on Friday, where they will play with established local bands The Endorphins, Last Chance, Cardinal Saviour and Aloner.

They have had a month of training at the rock school, which was co-ordinated by the Bolton Music Showcase committee in conjunction with music education group Rock-ed and the Local Network Fund.

Two Rock-Ed tutors have been working with each band, to help develop their vocals, music and songwriting.

Danielle, aged 14, from Bromley Cross, said: "I'm really excited. I probably won't start feeling nervous until just before we go on stage."

Danielle, who will be singing in her band, said that the opportunity was simply too good to pass up.

"I love singing, and I've been singing since I was little. I'd already talked about forming a band with a friend, but there was only the two of us, so it never really got started," she said.

Chris, a drummer, is one of the youngest musicians to make it into the final bands.

The 11-year-old from Horwich is already a veteran of the stage. He played at Horwich Carnival this year with his own band, Scorchers.

At the top end of the age scale is 16-year-old Jake, who will be playing guitar. He said: "Everyone works as a team. I'm the oldest, but I'm not the leader."

All the young musicians involved are full of praise for the Rock-Ed tutors.

"It's been great, they've been really helpful. I've had a lot of tutoring for my voice," said Jake.

Steve Roscoe, one of the Rock-Ed tutors said: "They're really good actually. They've worked hard and they'll be great. Of course they're a bit nervous, they're really young, but I think they'll do well."

Admission is free when both bands appear at the Phoenix Centre, Bark Street, on Friday.