A TRIO of home-grown talent from Yate has performed to a crowd of thousands at Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta.

3D, made up of sisters Sarah, Charlie and Kate Dean, of Shackleton Avenue, won the chance to sing at the massive open air concert last Thursday when they scooped the top prize in Yate's own talent competition.

The band has long been performing original material in pubs and clubs in the area and is now trying to get as much exposure as possible. They were, however, very nervous for their biggest gig to date.

Charlie told the Gazette: "We were all really nervous but it was absolutely brilliant. We loved it and wish we could do something similar every day." The girls performed one song at the free GWR concert on Thursday, along with pop stars Girls Aloud, Liberty X and ex-Blue singers Lee Ryan and Simon Webb, and three songs at a Best of the West medley on Saturday.

"We had pictures taken with some of the stars and everyone was really encouraging. It was such a buzz," said Charlie, 21.

The girls handed out their five-track CD to concert-goers and have since received their first fan mail.

"We have had messages on our website - www.3Dgigs.com - which were really sweet, and we were asked to sign some autographs.

"If we want any chance of playing here again next year we have to get to know other bands in the area and get as much exposure as possible."

Kate, 23, Charlie and 19-year-old Sarah were also interviewed by GWR FM on Saturday.

They have just recorded a new song called Tribute and are hoping to put an album together in the near future. 3D will be playing at a new monthly music night at the Tobacco Factory, Southville on Sunday, August 28 (7pm).