THOUSANDS of people were disappointed last night after the top-billed group at a Children in Need pop concert in Ipswich pulled out.S Club had to postpone at the last minute after Tina Barrett and Norfolk-born Hannah Spearitt fell ill.

THOUSANDS of people were disappointed last night after the top-billed group at a Children in Need pop concert in Ipswich pulled out.

S Club had to postpone at the last minute after Tina Barrett and Norfolk-born Hannah Spearitt, fell ill.

They were to perform at a free concert in Portman Road, Ipswich, to raise cash for the annual BBC charity event.

Singer Jon acted as spokesperson for the group at a press conference.

"All we can say is a massive sorry to Ipswich and we are still here to show our support for Children in Need.

"We feel bad because we told everyone we were performing."

Helen Boyden travelled from Colchester with her friends and their children. There were nine disappointed faces as Dylan, seven, Scarlett, nine, Megan, five, eight-year-olds Thea, Georgina, Amy and Georgia, Josh, five, and three-year-old Willow heard the news that their favourite band would not be playing.

"I can't believe it, as we have come such a long way just for S Club," Helen said.

"But we have had a good time with S Club Juniors. They were brilliant but all the girls love S Club."

Paul Mooney, who brought his daughter Clare and son Connor from Framlingham, said: We came because of S Club but if someone is ill then they are ill."

The three-hour gig did supply many other acts to keep the crowd entertained. First up were S Club Juniors.

Next on stage was Pop Idol finalist Sarah Whatmore. Ipswich's own Rosco rounded off the night.