MUSICAL youngsters from three Waveney schools were given time out from classes this week to be treated to a private concert by classical boy band Blake.

MUSICAL youngsters from three Waveney schools were given time out from classes this week to be treated to a private concert by classical boy band Blake.

The handsome foursome, who shot to fame after getting together three years ago via Facebook, are known to have a big following with younger fans thanks to their self-promotion on social networking sites such as Twitter and MySpace.

The classically-trained musicians, who won the album of the year at the Classical Brit Awards, kicked off a whistle-stop tour of the country with a day in Norfolk and Suffolk, because of their strong links with the area.

The band, made up of Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney, Jules Knight and Ollie Baines, visited Sir John Leman High School and the middle and high schools at Bungay.

Jules, whose parents live in Gunthorpe, near Burnham Market, said it was the start of a two-week tour, where the members would visit schools in each of their home counties to promote their third album, Together, that is released on October 12.

“We are going out there and doing it the old-fashioned way,” he said. “We seem to have a great following in East Anglia and Norfolk. It's important to come back - people seem to find our music accessible and I think they are pleasantly surprised.”

Humphrey, who grew up in Hockering, added: “Being a Norfolk boy I like to think that Norfolk will champion us a bit.”

Blake performed a few songs to the students before giving the budding stars a few hints and tips on how to make it big in the music industry.

Among the highlights for the group's career so far are performing at the official opening of the new roof at Wimbledon's Centre Court this year and singing at Shirley Bassey's 70th birthday.

Blake are hoping to make an appearance to Norwich's Castle Mall in November.

Sales of their album through a link on their website will include �1 that will go to charities Help for Heroes and Marie Curie Cancer Care. Visit www.blakeofficial.com.