OLD-SCHOOL favourites Busted performed to a packed-out Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff, marking band member James Bourne’s homecoming gig.

Hundreds of adoring fans enjoyed a night of fun, screaming and dancing as James, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis thrilled the crowds on Monday night as they embark on their new Night Driver tour.

The trio, who reunited in November 2015 following Charlie’s decision to front hardcore rock band Fightstar, offered a polished performance featuring a mix of songs from their third studio album and well-loved classics.

The screams and singing were at their loudest when the band belted out their famous What I Go To School For and Year 3,000.

And for 33-year-old James, this gig was particularly special as he was born in Rochford, lived in Southend and attended Thorpe Hall School.

The day before taking to the stage, he tweeted: “Might ride my bike to the show tomorrow night, not far to go” and “First gig was in Southend in a car park. Tomorrow I upgrade to the Cliffs Pavilion.”

During the night, the trio credited Southend as being the birthplace of Busted.

Matt thanked the Bourne family, who were in the audience, for their support over the years, particularly when they let him move in to start writing songs with James.

He thanked them for letting him live there for two years.

James added: “Then shortly after that Charlie came to Southend and then we tried to get a record deal … so it all happened in Southend really.”

He also revealed that the first time he ever played in front of a crowd was at his school’s car park and that he had been for a walk along the seafront on Monday.

Matt revealed that during their day in Southend before the gig, they had even been involved in a fan’s marriage proposal, which was accepted.

Local fans raved about their night with the Busted boys.

Sam Barnes tweeted: “Absolutely fantastic gig in Southend - proper fan girling!

“Busted absolutely smashed it! “

Janna House tweeted Charlie: “That voice of yours tonight, oh how we have missed it.

“So glad it’s back where it belongs.”