CHART-TOPPING boy band A1 hit the right note with two junior press-packers from Preston last week following a storm over tickets.

Fans Lauren Boggis,10, and her sister Emma,12, from Knowsley Close, Hoghton, were commissioned by the Citizen to cover A1's concert at Preston's Guild Hall last Friday evening in front of thousands of screaming fans.

However, confusion over tickets and backstage passes meant that our two roving-reporters were left out in the cold -- until, that is, A1 heard about it and came to the rescue!

Michelle Boggis -- Lauren and Emma's mum and chaperone on the night -- explained the story.

"All three of us went to the Guild Hall ticket office before the gig to pick up the tickets and backstage passes," she said.

"Unfortunately, there was some confusion over the tickets. But, by chance, A1's personal assistant overheard what was going on and the next thing I knew Christian and Ben from the band came out to meet us! It was terrific."

After a couple of minutes taking photos and chatting, pop idol Christian handed Lauren, Emma and Michelle three of his own personal tickets, reserved for his family and friends.

Michelle continued: "It was absolutely fantastic that he did that for us.

"They were Christian's own tickets that he gave us and all three were for the front row!

"We couldn't believe it. One minute we were without tickets thinking we were going to miss the concert and then the next thing we were on the front row! It was unbelievable!"

She added: "The gig itself was terrific. Christian kept coming to the front of the stage and smiling and winking at us! It was so funny.

"I would like to thank the band for such a brilliant evening. We all enjoyed it so much."