Punk duo Slaves have just missed out on a prestigious music prize.

The pair were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for Album of the Year for their debut album, Are You Satisfied? but were beaten by Benjamin Clementine’s At Least For Now.

The two-piece, made up of former Oakwood Park pupil Laurie Vincent, 22, from Maidstone, and 23-year-old former Hugh Christie pupil Isaac Holman from Southborough, performed at the award ceremony in London this evening.

They were one of 12 acts in the running for the prize as their record, released through Virgin EMI in May, saw them nominated.

Slaves kicked off the show at BBC Radio Theatre, in Broadcasting House, with a single, The Hunter, from the album.

After a whirlwind two years, the pair are set to return to Tunbridge Wells next month at the Assembly Hall Theatre for a special, intimate gig, on Friday, December 18.

The gig is still due to go ahead, despite Isaac dislocating his shoulder at a gig in Norwich last night, forcing Slaves to cancel their November dates.

The singer, and drummer, said the two are 'always drawn back to their roots.'

He said: “We’re really excited, it’s always nice to come back home and play to crowds here. Every show is special, we’ve played massive stages and we’ve played basement shows that mean just as much to us.”

After gaining recognition through BBC Introducing and support from Radio One, the release of their debut album ‘Are You Satisfied?’ saw Slaves’ name appear on the bills of some of the biggest festivals in the UK, including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds.

Chairman of the judges Simon Frith said: "This year’s Mercury Prize shortlist includes seven debut albums and it celebrates artists from every stage of their careers.

"These musicians come from a fascinating variety of musical places, cultures and histories. What they have in common is the ambition and the craft, the ideas and the imagination, to make great music."

Slaves were also nominated for two NME awards earlier this year - for best new band and best social media.

The winner was announced at around 10.30pm live on BBC 4 and BBC Radio 6.