But after a whirlwind 12 months, during which their self-titled debut album reached number one, the band are gearing up to play one of their biggest gigs to date - Party in the Park in Leeds.

The trio – vocalist Roy Stride, guitarist Greg Churchouse and drummer Peter Ellard – have taken the pop world by storm with hits including She's So Lovely, Elvis Ain't Dead and Heartbeat.

And the band, who are sharing Sunday's bill with the likes of McFly, Alphabeat and Basshunter, have also received hundreds of gifts from their die-hard fans including beer, chocolate and even the odd pair of knickers.

"We have some really hardcore fans," Roy told the YEP. "I remember the first time a pair of knickers were thrown on stage and they were so big, all three of us could have worn them.

"Sunday should be lots of fun. The first time we played at The Cockpit we played to around 20 people, then the next time we sold it out. The Leeds crowd are really up for it so we're really looking forward to this."

At the event at Temple Newsam Park, Roy is also looking forward to catching up with new pal Danny from The Script, who he met at T4 on the Beach last week, as well as old friends McFly.

And of course, he'll be meeting the YEP's super-fan Chloe Ewart, 14, who made a Scouting For Girls T-shirt to wear at the summer bash.

Roy said: "We really enjoy talking to people who come along to support us. I'm under no illusion, we couldn't have done any of this without our fans.

"We just try to make music that everyone can sing along to. A band is nothing without its fans and our fans have been completely amazing and loyal to us. We have the best fans in the world."

Pop lovers have now snapped up all 70,000 free tickets for Party in the Park, which is organised by Leeds City Council in partnership with 96.3 Radio Aire.

The event, which counts the YEP as a media partner, forms the second half of a weekend of free entertainment at Temple Newsam, which will also hosts Opera in the Park tomorrow.