An Epsom band were pipped to the post in a battle-of-the-bands final of a competition to support Biffy Clyro, but have just released their debut EP.

Brightlight City came an extremely close second in the final online vote count on Sunday, having thrashed thousands of rival bands and made it to the last five groups.

The winning band, Huxtable, will support Biffy Clyro at London’s Troxy in November thanks to the Relentless Energy drinks competition.

Ben Bell, Brightlight City’s drummer, said: "It's bittersweet, but we don't see this as defeat.

"Life is too short to focus on missing one opportunity, we're already waiting for the next one and we'll be ready to tackle it head on.

"The atmosphere on the night was electric and the bands were all very friendly and supportive."

The band released their debut EP ‘Breaking Straight Lines’ on Monday, available through iTunes and Spotify, with some hard copies being sold in Banquet Records in Kingston.

They are continuing to work the gigging scene, are in talks about management deals following the competition and at the end of this month will be recording their next EP.

Praised by the panel on Sunday for their energetic performance, strong songs, image and attitude, they were the only band from the south of England to make it to the final five.

Brightlight City consists of vocalist Jamie Giarraputo, 30, bassist Dan Stubberfield, 30, drummer Ben Bell, 27, and guitarists Jono Staunton and Justin Giarraputo, both 30.

The boys attended Glyn and Blenheim High Schools and knew each other from school and the gigging scene. The band formed in 2010, with Ben Bell joining this year.

Mr Bell said: "From day one we felt like winners just for being selected and are extremely proud to have come this far."

They laid firm foundations in 2013, supporting bands such as Bastille and Fickle Friends and playing in numerous festivals.

Huxtable, the winning band, come from the same town as Biffy Clyro, Kilmarnock.

For more information visit the band’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/brightlightcityofficial.