Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been named as the Next Big Thing in the music world at the annual East Anglian band contest.

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has been named as the Next Big Thing in the music world at the annual East Anglian band contest.

This year's final, organised by Future Radio in association with the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News, was held on Sunday night at the UEA LCR in Norwich.

Ed, 17, was the only solo performer in the final, with bands Rigo Jancsi, I Am Error, Adele Swallow, Killamonjambo and The Moo also making it through.

His prize includes £750 of products from Professional Music Technology (PMT), a recording contract with NR One Records, a £250 cash prize with business advice from Access to Music Norwich, and a studio package with Future Studios.

Video of the other bands at this year's Next Big Thing will be available on EDP and Evening News websites later this week.

Previous winners of the Next Big Thing have been The Kabeedies, Rosalita, Le Tetsuo and The Pistolas.