THREE months after A1's scheduled performance as part of the launch of a North-East theatre was cancelled, the band returned to the venue on Saturday to thrill their patient fans.

As well as two shows at Durham's £14m Gala Theatre, the chart-toppers also found time to visit the children's ward at a nearby hospital and spent time chatting to a select group of fans.

Many fans had been left disappointed in January when a marquee event, which was set to be headlined by the band as part of the Gala launch weekend, was cancelled due to insufficient ticket sales.

But on Saturday afternoon and evening 45-minute sets of the band's hits and new material from their forthcoming third album, which is likely to carry the same title as their next single, Make It Good, were enough for the fans to forget their previous upset.

Earlier in the day, A1 - Mark Read, Paul Marazzi, Christian Ingebritsen and Ben Adams - spent time with youngsters on the University Hospital of North Durham's children's ward as part of their hectic day.

The day was extra special for three winners of a competition run by The Northern Echo, in conjunction with the theatre, and their guests.

Zoe Johnson, of South Pelaw, Chester-le-Street, won the chance for her and a friend to meet the band between the two shows.

And Karly Wall, of Brandon, Durham, and Victoria Holmes, of Stainton Grove, Barnard Castle, each won tickets for two to see A1 perform.

The shows, each of which had a capacity of 700, were much smaller than many A1 have played in the past four years, during which they have had two number one singles, Take On Me and Same Old Brand New You.

But Ben Adams said: "We enjoy doing intimate gigs. When we do a gig to hundreds of thousands of people, that's really exciting, but when we are showcasing new stuff it's just us giving fans a taster of what's coming, so it's nice to do it in smaller venues."

And Christian Ingebritsen said fans could expect a bigger production on the road in the near future.

He said: "This is a fun, little mini-concert and we are having a great time. It's a chance to meet our fans."

And the latest shows are expected to give fans a slightly different look at the band, who played all the instruments, except drums on the new album, which they also co-produced, said Mark Read.