A record producer who worked with the Bee Gees judged the best teenage groups in the borough at an epic Battle of the Bands.

Ilford Recorder: The Rays plays at the Battle of the Bands in Forest School.The Rays plays at the Battle of the Bands in Forest School. (Image: Archant)

Young singers and musicians played their hearts out to a 470-strong crowd at Forest School, in Snaresbrook.

Ilford Recorder: The Rays plays at the Battle of the Bands in Forest School.The Rays plays at the Battle of the Bands in Forest School. (Image: Archant)

Ticket sales raised more than £3,000 for Haven House Children’s Hospice and Help a Capital Child.

Classics from Madonna and Bon Jovi were played along with original songs by bands from Wanstead High School, Bancroft’s School, Chigwell School, Felsted School and the hosts.

Each performed three songs under the experienced eye of judge Geoff Westley - a record producer and composer best known for his work as musical director for the Bee Gees.

“Shockhed”, from Wanstead High School, claimed the top prize with covers of the Arctic Monkeys, Spandau Ballet and one of their own songs.

Their prize, from Capital FM, will be meeting with a number of high-profile music producers to experience the production process first-hand.

Year 12 pupil Charlie Donald led the committee organising the event, which he called a “huge success”.

He added: “The attendance and the atmosphere was fantastic. The committee worked so hard and I am proud to have been a part of it.”