TWO local lads from band The Gekko enjoyed a dream date on Sunday evening when they performed as a support act to rock giants Bon Jovi at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Guitarist Craig Benyon, 36, and bass player Tom McCooey, 18, are the local contingent of five-strong punky pop rockers who beat off more than 100 hundred other bands in a Manchester competition to claim the coveted prize.

The unsigned band, who have only been together for three months, performed seven songs in front of more than 35,000 fans and got to meet the US rock idols.

Craig, a graphic designer, formerly of Knowsley Road, St Helens, said: "It was fantastic - we were treated like royalty - and had all the privileges the big bands get.

"The most we had played in front of up until Sunday had been about 200 people. So 35,000 was a big difference and the roar of the crowd was the best experience ever."

It was talent more than luck that earned the lizard named group their golden ticket and £1,000 worth of music equipment. For the lads' demo disc stood out among entries to the Key 103 radio competition. And they won the vote of music industry judges when they squared up against two other north west bands at a performance in Manchester's Life Caf.

Other band members are from Wigan and Preston, but Craig a former Cowley High pupil is hoping they will soon stage gigs in his hometown.

He added:"We've picked up a strong following from St Helens so are hopeful of performing here. There's a bit of rivalry within the band because of the Saints/Wigan link - and being a big Saints fan I'm certainly enjoying myself at the moment."