AN R ‘n’ B group wowed hundreds of students at Essa Academy with a live performance.

M.O played to 900 students and staff at the school yesterday.

Some excited youngsters even got the chance to get up on stage and perform with the group.

Sandy Reid, director at Essa Academy, said: “M.O were fantastic. They are such a gifted group. They really engaged with the students and they were thoroughly professional throughout.

“The students appreciated the opportunity and showed the group total respect.

“Music is a fantastic way of communicating. We speak 46 languages at this school and some of our students don’t speak a word of English, and yet they get involved and enjoyed it.”

London-based M.O, who regularly visit schools, played four songs in a set lasting about half an hour, with an acoustic set at the end.

The band’s singers Frankee Connolly and Annie Ashcroft paid tribute to the young fans.

Ms Connolly, originally from Manchester, said: “We found it absolutely amazing. I don’t think we’ve come across pupils that were so well behaved before.”

Ms Ashcroft, originally from Sheffield, added: “Essa Academy is a school we have always wanted to go to.

“We were in shock at how approachable everyone was. The teachers and pupils were like our best friends by the end.”