Richard Sharples, who has just completed a two-year music technology course at Warwickshire College, is lead singer of four-man band Richlife, who played a 30-minute set at Coventry's Ricoh Arena ahead of The Feeling and Bon Jovi.

The 18-year-old said: "It was a fantastic experience and such a big opportunity. It was awesome.

"We don't have a record deal but you never know who was watching on the night. It was wicked that Bon Jovi turned up before we had started.

"We have played in front of 10,000 at Plymouth Hoe at the South West Summer Party ahead of Girls Aloud and Rachel Stevens but this crowd was definitely the largest crowd we have played in front of."

Richard, of Fenny Compton, persuaded fellow band members Nathan Anderson-Barr, 20, Ben Gurney and Jamie Archer, both 21, to enter the competition after he was told about it by one of his student friends in Leamington.

He said: "The semi-final was at The Crew in Nuneaton and our name was drawn out of hat to go on stage first.

"Every competition we have done we have always started first – I just thought if we were going to win this we have to give it our all and set the standard.

"Our tutors at college were all really pleased for us that we won the competition and it was just a fantastic night."

Warwickshire College music tutor Frank Swales added: "Richard has been a keen, ambitious, enthusiastic and determined student.

"We were all really pleased that the band was given a platform to show their talents at such a massive concert in the region."