CUMBRIAN musicians are being given the chance to showcase their talents on the national stage.

Rock legends Alice Cooper and Deep Purple's Ian Gillan are urging budding rockstars - whether solo artists or a band - to strum ,drum or sing it out to gain recognition in the music industry.

The Rock the House competition, of which the two rock stars are patrons, celebrates the very best of up-and-coming unsigned British artists and the live music venues that support them.

The competition also aims to raise the political profile of the importance of intellectual property rights, and live music, among parliamentarians.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is supporting the competition, which is open to under 18s, and is putting forward nominations on behalf of the South Lakes area.

Successful nominees will then be judged by a panel of international music industry experts and musicians, and the finalists will take part in a battle of the bands in May.

The winner in each category will perform live at a final competition reception on the terrace at the House of Commons.

Tim said: “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the wealth of music talent in Cumbria. Rock the House offers entrants the priceless opportunity to gain recognition and make contacts across the music industry.”

More information is from www.rockthehouse2012.com and nominations should be sent to Tim at tim@timfarron.co.uk or before March 16.