The Loudness were formed in 2004 by a father and son and their friends to play a one-off charity gig in support of the Croydon Opportunity Playgroup (COPG).

Four years later and the band are still gigging, having raised thousands for charity by forsaking any fees.

Lead vocalist Chris Wood said: "My son, Sam, who was 15 at the time and had been playing the guitar for three years, was really keen to play in a band, and as my friends and I had all been in bands before we had all the equipment and lots of enthusiasm."

Sam and Chris were joined by Rob Groves on guitar, Chris Holliman on bass, Robin Atkins on drums, Richard Mander on keyboards and Sarah Howe and Lesley Wood on backing vocals, and the band was complete.

"The first gig went much better than we had expected, and raised more money for the charity than we had dared to hope for, so we decided to do another one, and then another - and we're still going.

"We decided from day one that we wanted to do these gigs to raise money for charity, as we are all lucky enough to have jobs.

"The band wouldn't have enjoyed the success that we have, playing venues like Botley Hill Farm and Fairfield, if it were not for the support we have received from Angelene, our manager, and all our friends, not least those at St John's Church in Shirley, who have all spread the word and allowed us to play to audiences of more than 200 almost without fail."

Angelene Rackett is manager of the band and trustee of COPG, and nominated the band for the Arts Champions award.

She explained: "They've made in the region of £20,000 for different charities - they've done so much. They raised £1,700 for COPG which makes the difference between staying open the next few weeks or closing.

"We don't have a big parents committee or fundraising teams so it saves staff a lot of time and energy when they donate money.

"The reaction is phenomenal. Charities ask how much the band are and are amazed when you say they cost nothing.

"When people go to see them they have a great time especially knowing that the money is going to charity.

"Anyone who has seen them has not failed to be totally blown away. They're extremely talented and nice people to boot."