A teenage jazz band who have made it to the finals of a music competition spent the weekend busking across London to encourage people to vote for them.

Middle8, pupils at St Michaels School, in Nether Street, North Finchley, were one of 200 acts to make the final of the Mayor of London’s Gigs Big Busk competition.

The band is made up of Jenni Luckit, 15, Claire Biek, 13, Kiara Callender, 15, Mihran Mortimer, 15, Rachel David, 15, Sinead Lucas, 15, Alex Purpura, 15 and Catherine Ogbechie, 16.

Finalists are given free busking slots across the capital, and this weekend the girls carted their clarinets, trombones, drums and guitars to Waterloo, Greenwich and Shepherds Bush.

Mihran, of Fircroft Mews, North Finchley, said: “Busking was a really great experience - we loved every minute of it.

“We think we have a chance of winning because we are unique.

“People were stopping to watch us and were dancing along to our music. It shows people enjoy it - you can’t fake that.”

After forming last October, the best friends decided entered the competition on a “whim” and were ecstatic when they found out they had beaten 4,500 others to the final.

They practice four times a week - before school during term times and at eachother’s houses during the summer holidays.

Claire, of Beresford Road, East Finchley, added: “Even if we don’t win, busking was a lot of fun and we’re proud of ourselves for making it this far.”

To vote for Middle8 to win the competition, visit http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/arts-culture/gigs/search-and-vote and type in Middl8. Winners will be announced at the end of August.