A GROUP of soldiers who made history by being the first group of serving Armed Forces personnel to hit the British music charts will perform in Darlington next month.

The Soldiers, who play Darlington Civic Theatre on Monday, February 18, at 7.30pm, put their military careers first and foremost, having served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

They have several medals between them and can be called up at any time.

Since the release of their debut album Coming Home in 2009, which reached the top five in the UK charts, The Soldiers have sold over a million albums in the UK with proceeds from the albums going to armed forces charities including the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion.

Their third album, Message to You, was released last year, and this tour sees them promoting their new studio album, The Soldiers.

Sergeant Major Gary Chilton, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi promise audience members an evening of uplifting music.

The Soldiers’ self-titled new album features sixteen new recordings which have been carefully selected for their lyrical content and poignancy to the armed forces and their families.

Tickets cost £20.50 and £22.50. To book, call 01325-486555 or visit darlingtonarts.co.uk