York's own pop giants Shed Seven gave a boost to an up-and-coming student band by headlining a special concert in the city.

The charity event last night at York University also featured The Dandys - a York band who have already had several Top Ten hits - and Bell Curtis, who are managed by England footballer Teddy Sheringham.

A number of record company representatives were believed to have attended the outside event to check out the student band, dEFENBAKEr, who have a large campus following.

Their manager John McLean, 24, who organised the event along with 96.9 Viking FM radio station, said: "Already they've played a number of gigs around the city and they're set to go on to bigger and better things.

"They're good-looking lads as well and all the girls really love them."

He added that the band members - Jamie Sparrow, Chris Sheehan, Lee Calnem, all 19, and James Sinclair, 24 - were delighted when Shed Seven agreed to perform at the concert at the university's Derwent College.

He added: "I think it's great that so many York bands were able to get together - it's a good reflection on how much musical talent comes out of the city."

More than 1,000 students splashed out £15 on a ticket for the event, which was also raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

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