One of the Swindon music scenes brightest lights - hip-hop trio Beatbullyz -  who have been around since early 2005 have recently come first in a national unsigned band competition run by Channel 4.

Along with thousands of hopeful national acts, the band entered the 4Unsigned ‘Get Played on HOLLYOAKS’ competition late last year, and were announced as the winners on Wednesday 23rd January.

The judges who chose them were made up of Hollyoaks production staff and actors.

The Beatbullyz trio are Bully (Andy Bullimore), Bozo (Daniel Dubose), and Disco (Stuart Anderson), and their sound is a skilful blend of ska, funk,  hip-hop, soul and big beat.

As well as wowing audiences in local venues such as Swindon’s Brunel Rooms and The Apartment and Moles Club in Bath, the band have played all around the country and in Europe.

They have previously played the Snow Bombing festival in Austria and are due to return there in 2008.

The band have also appeared on MTV, ITV and BBC News 24. However, the chance to be seen and heard on one of Channel 4’s most popular shows is something the band hope will give them some much needed exposure.