Liverpool FC has given its backing to the inaugural Getintothis music awards which looks to champion and promote fresh, up-and-coming bands from around the city.

The club has a long tradition of bringing together music and football. From the sprawling, swaying Kop chiming in perfect harmony to Beatles classics throughout the 60s, to Reds legends John Aldridge and John Barnes taking the music world by storm with the 'Anfield Rap' in 1988.

Now Liverpoolfc.tv will assist as part of a judging panel that looks to recognise the best of artists from across the city's vibrant musical spectrum.

The prize has been dubbed nationally as 'The Scouse Mercury' and budding musicians are invited to submit four of their own tracks, with the only criteria being that the record was made in Liverpool or produced or recorded by Liverpudlians.

The winning set-list could be anything from pop, rock and roll, country, dance, soul, hip-hop or jazz with the aim being to reflect Liverpool's rich heritage in all genres of music.

And the prize, in the words of Peter Guy, who started Getintothis five years ago writing and blogging about Liverpool's flourishing music scene, "is a little belter!"

The best entry will win a day's free recording at Sandhills Studio with a top producer, as well as a showcase slot at next year's Liverpool Sound City and Liverpool Music Week. Film-maker Ian Gamester, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Virgin Media Shorts film, will also be on hand to shoot the band's video promo which will be screened in FACT's boutique Box cinema.

There's also the invitation to star in an exclusive gig at London's The Old Blue Last venue promoted by Vice Magazine.

The 12 nominees, who will be announced in the coming months, are set to go before a jury of judges which will include Craig G Pennington, editor of Bido Lito!, the Liverpool music magazine, Matt Wilkinson, NME's New Music Editor and Vice Magazine's global editor Andy Capper.

They will be joined by a representative from Liverpool Football Club.

The exciting new awards are the brainchild of Liverpool Post and ECHO journalist Peter Guy, who has edited Getintothis music blog since it began in 2007.

He said: "What started as a little idea has grown into something to be proud of."

Artists can still enter the by sending their four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com or alternatively post to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L693EB.

Also, anyone involved in business who would like to get involved with the GIT Award should email peter.guy@liverpool.com.