Pupils go crazy for Hoosiers' special gig

Girls screamed, some cried and others rushed to grab cameras to capture the moment.

The appearance of quirky chart-toppers The Hoosiers at Codsall Community High School sparked frenzied scenes among teenage fans who jostled to get up close with idols Irwin, Alphonso and Martin.

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The band's visit, just hours before they brought the house down at the Civic Hall last night, was supposed to be a secret to everyone except sixth formers, but the entire school population knew about it by yesterday afternoon.

Upon their arrival groups of teenagers rushed around screaming, some of them moved to tears by the appearance of the trio, who famously ask fans to dress up at their concerts.

The visit was arranged by A Level student Laura Davies, aged 17, who said: "We sent an email to the tour manager and only got it confirmed on Monday that they were coming to see us.

"The Hoosiers are massive and it's great that they can find the time to see us. The place has been buzzing all day."

The good-natured lads posed for pictures with fans, and happily signed autographs before talking about breaking into music in the Geoff Bate room.

GSCE student Emily Rust, aged 16, co-editor of the Codsall High Whisper student newspaper, said: "I think they are amazing – they were so great to talk to."

Singer Irwin Sparkes, aged 27, from Berkshire described the reaction from pupils as "totally overwhelming".

"We've never seen anything like this before," he said.

"Being in a band like this, you tend to get ostracised from the fans, so it's great to see them face-to-face.

"It's the first time we've been to Wolverhampton to perform.

"It feels like a new lease of life to come to a school and see so many happy faces welcoming us like this."

Exchange student Michael Campbell, aged 16, who is from Melbourne, Australia, and is spending a year in Codsall, said: "The Hoosiers' music sounds pretty awesome. I can't believe they are actually here, it's brilliant."

Paul Johnson, head of the sixth form, said: "The Hoosiers are superb guys and it's great that they gave up their time to come and see the school and our pupils – all credit to them."

The band burst into the charts in July last year with their debut single Worried About Ray, which reached number five.

Their debut album, The Trick To Life, shot to number one in the charts after being released in October 2007.