Luke and Mel’s country gong

Luke Thomas and Melanie Greggain, of Lees

A TALENTED country music duo have landed a top national award.

Luke Thomas (26) and Melanie Greggain (26) scooped the Duo of the Year gong at the British Country Music Awards (BCMA).

Under the stage name Luke and Mel, the Lees pair were also nominated for the UK song of the year for their track “Don’t Cry (Because It’s Over)”.

The ceremony took place at the Concorde Suite at Heathrow Airport where the pair played alongside four-time Grammy award-winning musician Steve Wariner.

The popular duo, who write and play all their own songs, said: “We are so happy to have picked up Duo of the Year at the BCMAs this year. Thank-you all for your amazing support.

“We’d also like to say a big congratulations to all the other winners on the night, especially our great friends Gary Quinn and Raintown — we’re so thrilled to be able to share this moment with great talented friends.”

Luke and Mel met while performing in the Solid Gold Country Legions tribute tour three years ago.

After playing in pubs around Oldham, they now perform across the UK.

But they will soon be playing at the home of country music when they take their talent to Nashville in June.