North-East singing duo Journey South have topped the charts with their debut album.

Andy and Carl Pemberton have already been given a platinum disc after sales of more than 300,000 in the first week.

Now the brothers from Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, have clinched top spot with the album, also called Journey South.

Their father, Trevor, said: "I am absolutely ecstatic. We didn't have the radio on but a friend phoned us and told us the news. We are over the moon. For it to happen on Mother's Day has been the icing on the cake for their mum, Genda, and to make it even better they managed to sneak home for 24 hours before they had to head back to London to appear on Top of the Pops."

The pair shot to fame after coming third out of the 75,000 hopefuls who auditioned for ITV talent show X-Factor.

Mr Pemberton said: "Without the support of everyone, from The Northern Echo to people who voted for them, they would not have achieved what they have and we can only say thank you."

With the help of a private jet and a huge entourage, the duo toured the UK last Monday to launch the album.

En route, they visited Asda in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, where fans of all ages gathered to catch a glimpse of them.

Journey South will tour the UK during September and October, concluding with a date at Middlesbrough Town Hall on October 15.