THE NOTHE Gardens in Weymouth were rocking when bands took to the stage.

The “Rock the Nothe” night kickstarted all the Olympic celebrations as well as raising money for the Isle of Purbeck fishing boat tragedy.

The band Muted took on Bears from Thornford near Sherbone in a battle of the bands.

The audience voted live and Muted took the prize of a six-hour recording and mixing session at Fuzzy Music Studios in Weymouth.

The winning band are students from Budmouth College. Lead singer Billy Spencer said: “We owe a huge thanks to Roger Genge for hosting the whole thing and giving us this opportunity.

“The reaction from the crowd was very positive and we feel this could be the start of something big for us.”

Bernie Hagley, the lead guitarist of Vanity Fair who had a number one hit in the late sixties, also made an appearance after the band previously played at Mr Genge’s daughter’s wedding.

He said: “It’s great to be here encouraging young people to take up music.”

The organiser Mr Genge, of Harbour View Bungalow, Weymouth, said: “The kids really enjoyed it. Everyone wants me to do it again for New Year’s Eve.”

He added: “For me, it was about celebrating the start of the Olympics , supporting local youth and getting cash for charity – a triple whammy.”

He added: “I thought the Isle of Purbeck fishing boat was a good charity to fundraise for and it fit well with the Olympics.”

The fishing boat went missing in May with the loss of three crew. The event raised over £300 for the cause.