VOTING in a nationwide contest to find the best local band in the land has been extended.

Fans now have until midnight on Wednesday to help their favourite group top the poll.

Two Hampshire bands are currently featuring in the regional top ten in the contest, being run by the Daily Echo's parent company Newsquest.

But Me No Buts, from Winchester and Southampton, are second in the chart.

Formed by current band members Mr Wag and Jay on the back of a skacore band, But Me No Buts have had several line-up changes.

Having been described as "what System of a Down would sound like if they were a punk band", "melodic with plenty of energy" and "a blistering wall of energy", But Me No Buts have really started turning heads.

Sitting at number nine are The Arcades, a great indie rock band from Southampton.

Adam Roe (vocals and acoustic guitar) and Jonny Evans (bass) lived in halls together at university.

They began to jam on songs that Adam had written and soon began to look for a lead guitarist and a drummer to complete the outfit.

Their music has been compared to the likes of Idlewild, U2 and even The Cure, while vocals have drawn comparison with Morrissey.

The rhythm guitar plays hooky, interesting chord inversions while the lead blasts through with riff-driven, blues-inspired sound.

The bass and drums provide a solid backbone to the band, with funk lines and fresh beats.

The Arcades have already played a host of gigs in Southampton, Bournemouth, London and Leeds.

Other top-scoring bands include Renaissance Child, from Winchester, and Wrong Turn, from Fareham.

To listen to the best local bands have to offer and cast your vote, visit www.lheroes.com.