THOUSANDS of teenagers turned up to meet all 10 members of pop/MC sensation Blazin' Squad when they came to Basingstoke's Safeway store.

More than 5,000 people queued for up to two hours to meet the band, whose debut single Crossroads went to number one this year.

Blazin' Squad, who first came to the Safeway store back in June when they were just starting out, were supposed to sign autographs for two hours on Thursday, but ended up staying another hour because of the huge crowds that had gathered outside.

Many people came from London, where the band of 16 and 17-year-old males hail from.

Delighted to be back in Basingstoke promoting their new album In the Beginning, 17-year-old band member Strider said: "This is our third recent signing in a Safeway store. It's good to meet the fans.

"It's like a dream being in Blazin' Squad. We're hoping our new album will do well. A lot of people here have said they like it."

Sat in a chair slowly filling up with presents from fans, he added: "I get given loads of teddies - someone once even gave me a silver chain. The best things are just being with my friends, getting to perform and meeting our fans."

Strider proved to be a favourite with many of the girls in Basingstoke, especially 16-year-old Sarah Smart, a pupil at Brighton Hill Community College.

"It's the third time I've met Blazin' Squad," she said. "I spent at least two hours queuing to see them."

Extra security staff were brought in for the event, and four police officers helped control the crowds to stop the teenagers spilling on to the road and also to prevent them from blocking fire exits.

Blazin' Squad's appearance at Safeway marked the end of the store's major refurbishment which includes a new home entertainment centre, upgraded flower shop and coffee shop.