X Factor boy band One Direction could have competition on their hands.

Fourteen-year-old Dylan van der Molen and his band, The Conversation, have made it through to the regional finals of Live & Unsigned - the UK's biggest music contest for unsigned artists. The Conversation, which comprises fellow north-London Jews, Asher Mohr, 14, and Jamie Gardner, 12, beat hundreds of auditionees to secure a spot in the live show on March 6, when it will be up to both the audience and judges to vote. In the meantime, the boys are rehearsing as much as they can. Dylan, a pupil at Mill Hill County High, tells People: "We have been working really hard for this - practising on the weekends and sometimes in the week. We all want it so much."

The group formed two years ago after meeting at music camp, Rock United.

If successful, they will have the chance to compete at the grand final at the O2 arena in London. Winners will receive £50,000 and a recording contract with Future Music Management.