Band tells fans you're so lovely

The evening may have begun in Birmingham for pop trio Scouting For Girls, but their memory of the night will be dominated by the thunderous welcome they received in Wolverhampton.

The band had just hours earlier been guests at Birmingham's Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday but told the Civic Hall audience on Saturday night: "Wolverhampton is the louder town."

The sell-out audience belted out the lyrics as soon as the first chords were struck and did not stop all night, from the opening I Wish I Was James Bond to the final, hit song She's So Lovely.

Frontman Roy Stride told the crowd: "This has been the most incredible year of our lives and it's all thanks to you."

Among the fans was schoolgirl Sophie Varna, aged 15, of Yew Tree Lane, Tettenhall, who was with brother Elliot, 10, and friend Jessica Lane, 14, of Leasowes Drive, Perton. Sophie said: "I love them. It's feelgood music. Keep On Walking is my favourite."

Jessica, who saw the band at a free concert last November, added: "They're amazing live."

Sharon Reilly, a nurse from Rugeley, and health worker Steve Cowley, from Dudley, were slightly older than the average fan.

But Steve, aged 37, said: "We saw them a year ago in Cardiff and had a great time so we thought we'd come again.

"The tickets have more than doubled in price in that time, from £8 to £17.50, which shows how popular they've become."

Advertising rep Jayne Eyton, aged 44, had travelled from Lower Bullingham in Hereford with a group of family and friends.

She said: "It's two hours on the train but we love going to see bands. Scouting For Girls are loads of fun to see."

Partner Colin Terrett, aged 40, said: "I saw them at the Isle of Wight Festival and the lead singer's really good."

Wolverhampton University media student Rebecca Turner, aged 20, of Turners Lane, Stourbridge, was there with friends Chris Gathercole and Nick Bland, both also 20, Rebecca Webb, 19, and 16-year-old Emily Webb.

She said: "I've seen them five times so this will be my sixth. When they started they were different from other bands, kind of indie-pop. People say their songs all sound the same and it's true, but in a good way."

Graphic designer Kate Bailey, 23, of Tettenhall, and health and safety administrator Lucy Page, also 23, of Perton, are also big fans.

Kate said: "The songs are catchy and easy to listen to."