CHART-TOPPERS Blazin' Squad thrilled an audience of 250 students at a Darlington school.

The group were performing at Eastbourne School for a specially invited group of pupils.

The ecstatic youngsters won the chance to see the band live after the school entered a TFM radio competition to win the gig.

All the schools in the competition were entered into an on-line poll and Eastbourne recorded the most votes.

The 250 tickets for the mini-gig were then handed out to pupils to reward them for good behaviour or work.

As the school hall filled with excited children chanting the band's name, two lucky Year Seven pupils had their dreams come true when they met the rap stars.

The band is made up of ten school friends Flava, Kenzie, Strider, Spike-E. MC Freek, Melo-d, Reepa, Krazy, Rocky B and DJ Tommy B from Walthamstow.

Donna Horsley and Rebecca McGill could hardly speak when they were introduced to the band and posed for photos with their idols.

Rebecca said: "We really love them and can't believe we got this close to them.

"Strider is our favourite and he made a point of speaking to us. It was amazing. This is like a dream come true."

The group spent the day shopping in Darlington before taking to the stage for the gig.

Kenzie, from the group, said: "This is our third school tour so we are used to playing small venues in front of young crowds.

"We love getting close to the audience - especially the girls. I will sign autographs for boys but it is mainly girls who seem to follow us.

"We are promoting our new single and our debut album and it seems to be going well.

"Our first headline tour starts later this year."

Head teacher Karen Pemberton and other members of staff joined the screaming pupils to watch the band perform their songs and an exclusive MC session.

Mrs Pemberton said: "All the students in the school have been excited about this, even the ones who haven't had the chance to see them perform. It has been great."