THOUSANDS of fans of chart-topping boy band Five were disappointed after the group cancelled their appearance at an outdoor pop concert in Broadstairs on Bank Holiday Monday.

The band pulled out of the show at St George's High School playing fields after doctors advised two of its members to rest. Sean Conlan is suffering from exhaustion, and Ritchie Neville has severe injuries to his achilles tendon.

Broadstairs fan Gemma Bugden was among many who had spent weeks looking forward to the appearance by their idols.

The 15-year-old had worked extra hours at her holiday job in a restaurant in order to see the band. She had planned to go with five of her friends who also particularly wanted to see Five.

Gemma said: “It was a big disappointment. When I heard that Five were coming to St George’s, just up the road from where I live, I thought it was too good to be true.

"Just as we started to believe our good luck at seeing Five live, we were let down at the last minute. Luckily the concert was good.”

Thousands of young pop fans turned out for the show which featured girl band Atomic Kitten, chart favourites Damage, Tymes 4, and Abba tribute band Bjorn Again.

Five apologised to their fans, saying: “We are truly sorry to disappoint you, and we all look forward to playing for you live very soon and can’t wait to get back out there.”

A spokesman for the concert promoters said: "We were disappointed that Five cancelled at such short notice. With or without Five, the concert was exceedingly good value for only £20."

Five fans who want a refund should take their complete tickets to the place where they were purchased, before September 10.