The judges fired them into the Talent Trail semi-finals as the crowd went ballistic for five-piece combo The Bullets.

The contest was given a real shot in the arm by the band's energetic performance.

They hit the mark time and again with their versions of Teenage Kicks by the Undertones, Sex on Fire by the Kings of Leon and Dakota by the Stereophonics.

The Bullets, hailing from the west of Hull villages, have only been together a year but have already caused a stir on the gigging scene in Hull.

After their success at heat 12 of Talent Trail at the New Griffin on Anlaby Road, west Hull, lead singer Rob Cardwell, 34, said: "We got the crowd going and that's our job.

"We didn't think we'd get through after the start we had but we are delighted.

"I hope we can go all the way and we will certainly bring some people with us."

It was a case of 'sax on fire' for the other successful act.

Normally an Amy Winehouse tribute, Max to Sax played Cry Me a River by Michael Buble, at the Hop by Danny and the Juniors and Girls and Boys by Pixie Lott.

The group consists of singer Michelle Sims and saxophonists Jacob Jackson and Gareth Jones.

Michelle, of west Hull, said: "I was totally shocked we got through as it was a very tough field.

"There was a lot of talent out there on the night."

Narrowly missing out on the semi-final were 64-year-old Kenny Allanson, of west Hull, Peter Kitch, of Orchard Park, Sasha, of Doncaster and 17-year-old Gemma Wilson, of Hessle.

The next heat takes place on Tuesday at Trades and Labour Club on Beverley Road, west Hull.

Funds raised from the contest go to Dove House Hospice, the Mail's Charity of the Year.

This year's event is being sponsored by Devilfishpoker.com - run by Hull poker player Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliot.