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Town agrees to reward band with unbelievable honour

Getty Images James Atkin singing in his microphone and the guitarist Ian Dench standing alongside himGetty Images
The pair are behind the hit 1990 single Unbelievable

The hometown of nineties band EMF has agreed to honour the group with a blue plaque.

The group, from Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, is best known for its hit single Unbelievable which was the UK's 30th best selling single of 1990.

The town's council unanimously approved the plaque after a campaign by local crier Jer Holland.

James Atkin, EMF singer, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire he was "completely blown away" by the news.

Mr Atkin, from Cinderford and the band's guitarist Ian Dench, from Cheltenham regularly reference their heritage at gigs.

Their first ever band rehearsal was in a Cinderford church hall.

Reacting to the news, Mr Atkin said: "It's come completely out of the blue.

"We're just amazed. What a great thing."

Getty Images EMD singer James Atkin singing into a microphoneGetty Images
Mr Atkin said the plaque is "mindblowing"

"We love the Forest, we love Cinderford. It's where we started, that's our root.

"To get recognised it kind of mind-blowing," Mr Atkin added.

Mr Holland said: "It's about time we recognise what they did for the town, and what they continue to do to put the town on the map.

"Like many Foresters, always been very proud of their achievements.

"Very proud, also as a fan loving their music."

Mr Dench said: "We feel very proud of having made Cinderford and the Forest of Dean proud of us."

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