HUNDREDS of fans welcomed home the region's X Factor idols today as they journeyed south for the launch of their album.

Fans of all ages gathered at Asda, in South bank, near Middlesbrough, to catch a glimpse of Teesside heart throbs Andy and Carl Pemberton.

The brothers, from Coulby Newham, shot to fame during national talent competition X Factor and are now celebrating the launch of their self-titled album.

With the help of a private jet and a huge entourage, the duo made a whirlwind tour of the UK in one day - calling at Edinburgh, Middlesbrough, Cheshire and Birmingham.

The event was the group's own idea after receiving thousands of emails from fans unable to see them during the X Factor tour.

Andy said: "It's a pleasure to get out there and meet all the fans that put us through the show and showed so much support for us.

"It is brilliant to be back in Middlesbrough and the North-East in general - everyone is so supportive.

"The sales are hopefully going well and hopefully we can get that number one spot."

Carl added: "It is going really well - it feels really good - it feels amazing."

The album includes 12 tracks, with self-penned 'All That I Am' and 'It's All For You'.

It also includes covers 'Let It Be', 'Desperado' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For'.

And 11-year-old Shauna Beck was the first in line to get her album signed. She said: "It is like a dream come true - it was worth the wait."