A NORTH-EAST rock band has recently returned from entertaining British troops in Germany.

Twister, made up of Stevie Stoker, Kyle Hughes, Edward Bell and Karl Stott, took their four-piece band out to Paderborn and Gutersloh for three gigs in four days last month.

Mr Stoker, from Shotton Colliery, said: “We were informed through the grapevine that there may be something available for us in Germany.

“We blew the place apart the first time we went over; they loved us, and were soon called up for a return visit. We did three shows, one in Paderborn and a further two on Gutersloh, near Dortmund. "For us it’s been nice just to have the experience of a new atmosphere, a new environment.”

A highlight for the band was a surprise champagne breakfast after an all-night music session on the Saturday continued right through until 7am the following morning.

Mr Stoker added: “We were only supposed to be on until around 4am.

“There was still a good 50 or so left so it ended with my being on the piano and us all having a great sing-along till 7 and then we were treated to the champagne breakfast, which was amazing and a great gesture.”

Having been sounded out by Paul Elphick and Britannia Entertainment, the German-based Management Company soon had the rock band in Germany.

The first trip was so successful that, no sooner had they returned home from their July venture Stevie and the lads were requested for a return trip.