IF A SELF-ASSURED edge, loads of talent and even more determination are what it takes to be successful, Hedgepig should be well on their way.

They are determined to keep at it for as long as it takes and have managed to win the endorsement of stars like Bob Geldof, Mike Scott and Terrorvision.

The band, whose average age is 18, have just beaten around 7,000 other acts to take third place in a national competition for up-and-coming college bands. But that isn't good enough, according to guitarist Paul Rowan. "We're pleased but I think we were actually better than we were given credit for," said the Barrowford based former student. "But we were the youngest of the three winners, so I suppose that means we've got a longer lifespan."

The lads come mainly from Pendle, although one rogue member hails from Blackburn.

They came third in the Panasonic Soundblast Competition after winning through to the national finals.

That is quite achievement when you consider that Paul, 18; Diddy Holehouse, 18, of Blacko; Andrew Manley, 18, of Roughlee; and Lee Brotherstone, 17, of Blackburn; only started playing together in late 1993. The win earned them £1,000 in cash, a bronze disc and £500 to buy musical instruments for Blackburn College, who they were representing.

The organisers say the competition, which evolved from the former Rock School event, is more of a learning experience than a guarantee of chart success.

But Hedgepig say that school's out as far as they're concerned.

"We're in it for however long it takes, until we're big and famous," said Paul

"We know we will be. Diddy and me gave up university to do this but it has to be done.

"I'm not saying everyone is 100 per cent behind us but everyone who travelled down to see the final is."

Great expectations for little boys?

Not according to music legend Bob Geldof. He was one of the cast of big-name judges who gave lads the thumbs-up. Also on the panel were Jamiroquai bass player Stuart Zender and Sunday Times rock columnist Robert Sandall.

Paul added: "Bob Geldof spoke to us for about quarter of an hour.

"He might be the most famous musician in the world but he is really down to earth. He spoke to us like somebody you might meet in the pub. He said he really liked us and could hear in his head what our albums were going to sound like. All of Terrorvision were there and we got on really well with them.

"They invited us out for the day and said we should hit the clubs with them.

"We're going to take them up on the offer if we ever end up playing in Bradford." Hedgepig obviously have big ambitions but their more immediate problems are on a smaller scale.

The lads are rehearsing like mad but don't have any definite gigs lined up until January.

And then there's the prize money.

"Two of us kind of agreed in the pub what we'd do with the money.

"We were tempted to buy beer with it but decided against it.

"I think we might split it to buy equipment and then try and get a PA with the rest of the cash."

Yes, there's cash in the Hedgepig-gy bank and it seems they might yet bring home the bacon.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.