Irish boy band are a smash hit with pupils

The five-piece Irish group, who have been hailed as the next Westlife, proved to be a big hit with teenage girls at Sharples High School.

The band played an action-packed five-song set to entertain Year 8 and 9 pupils who were immediately charmed by the Irish pop hopefuls.

Their a cappella version of Lean On Me revealed the young band are more than just pretty faces as they all have strong voices.

Matthew Keaney, Gary O'Meara, Philip Gargan and twins Colin and Joseph O'Halloran can play 20 instruments between them and, despite being put together at a "Popstars" TV show-style audition, are all talented musicians and songwriters.

Their next single, You Take Me Away, which is released in April, inspired the Sharples pupils to jump up and dance -- and their version of the Dexy's Midnight Runners classic Come On Eileen even had the teachers rocking along.

Year 8 pupil Shelley Masters had a brilliant time at the concert. She said: "I knew who Reel were before today. It's been really good -- better than lessons -- and they're very good looking."

Aaron Barlow, from Year 8, said: "This is a lot better than doing science, which is what we'd normally be doing now!"

Reel, who have supported Westlife and were voted Best Newcomers on last year's Smash Hits tour, claimed to be loving every minute of their tour.

Philip, aged 21, said: "We're having a ball! It can be hard work playing at two schools and a nightclub every night, but it would be worse if there was nobody listening.

"We're halfway through recording an album, which will hopefully come out later this year.

"We are flattered by the Westlife comparisons because they are so successful, but I think we have a distinct Celtic sound and are all keen on playing Irish instruments."

The band, who were mobbed by young autograph hunters, were also playing a second set for pupils at Sharples before performing at Withins School thanks to the staff at Bolton music Service, who organised the concerts.