Boy band Next of Kin are to support pop superstars Boyzone on their British tour.

The Essex group will be performing in front of thousands of fans at the biggest venues across the country, including Wembley Arena.

The support slot is a huge boost for Bass brothers Nathan, 18, Kieran, 13, and Mark, 11, whose first single 24 Hours From You peaked at number 13 in the charts after its release in February.

The boys, who capped their chart success with an appearance on Top of the Pops, live in Sible Hedingham.

A band spokeswoman said: "A huge band like Boyzone asking the boys to support them is a great compliment.

"Next of Kin have just started out and are concentrating on building a fan base - and what better way than to perform to thousands of people at Wembley Arena?

"The boys are looking forward to the tour and at the moment they're loving all the attention a top 20 debut single generates.

"Appearing on Top of the Pops was a dream come true for them."

The boys will tour with heart-throbs Ronan, Mikey, Stephen, Keith, Shane during May.

Next of Kin's management company Ian Allen Management has decided to put the release date of Next of Kin's debut album back until September to allow for the release of two further singles.

The band's next single, yet to be titled, is due to go on sale from June 7.

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