Struggling bands will have chance to show what they can do at regular showcase nights to be launched at Bradford University this weekend.

The university's Students Union is planning a series of gigs called First Fifteen. Bands will be asked to play two of their own compositions and a cover version and the audience will choose a winner using a "clapometer" - as audiences did on Hughie Green's popular Opportunity Knocks TV show.

Acts receiving the most applause will be invited back to a final next year.

The gigs will take place each Saturday night when four bands - from across the region - will perform a 15-minute set at the university's Courtyard basement bar which has a 1,200 crowd capacity.

"We're looking for songwriting talent as well as good bands," said the university's entertainments manager, Michael Lawrence.

"The music will probably lean towards rock, indie, punk - anything that will appeal to a largely student audience.

"We want to give unsigned bands a chance to show what they can do - and give audiences good live music. The clapometer is the fairest way to decide the most popular band. That way the audience decides who goes through, not a panel of record label people. After all, it's the audience who buy the records and go to see the bands. We think they're the best judges."

Bands interested in taking part are asked to send a sample of their music and information about the band, and the organisers will choose the best. Their music will then be played on the university's radio station, Ram Air, and students, and other listeners, will be asked to choose which bands they want to see play.

"Some tracks might also be played at our Friday night dance event and the winning bands may be invited to play at our Monday night Rocksox rock night. It all helps to get them noticed," says Michael, who hopes the weekly Saturday night showcase events will run right through to a final next spring.

"We'd like it to be a rolling programme, and an annual event," he said. "The overall winner will get a cash prize and the chance to record a demo, free of charge."

"We have a great venue here, where bands like New Model Army started," added co-organiser Mandi Sylvestor.

"There aren't many good live venues around these days and bands starting out can't always afford to play at larger places. Here there's a fantastic chance for bands to perform in front of a large Saturday night audience."

The First Fifteen gigs start on Saturday. Bands signed up so far are Number Nine, Rediffusion and Breene. Mandi will be the MC and there will be music from DJ Imorales.

Bands interested in taking part should ring (01274) 233300.