PUPILS will be given an assembly with a difference this morning.

Irish boy band D-Side will perform at Stanley School of Technology, County Durham, after pupils registered more votes than any other school in a Metro Radio competition.

D-Side won the 2002 Smash Hits Best New Tour Act Award and have received plaudits from Company Magazine to The Sunday Times.

The group, whose first single, Speechless, made the top ten, is made up of Shane Creevey, 19, Derek Moran, 18, Ryan O'Riain, 19, Damien Bowe, 21, and Dane Guiden 20.

The band have already made their Top of the Pops debut and have finished recording their first album.

Headteacher Janet Bridges said: "The students are really looking forward to having the boys come to the school to perform.

"Everyone has been really excited since we found out the news. I'm sure everyone will give D-Side a good old fashioned North-East welcome.''

Metro Radio presenter Wayne, who will host the event, said: "D-Side are definitely on their way to the top, so it will be exciting for the students to hear them sing live.

"It will be a fantastic morning in Stanley and one both the band and the school won't forget in a long time.''