TICKETS for The Charlatans' homecoming gigs at Memorial Court sold out just half an hour after going on general sale this morning.

The iconic indie band formed in Northwich in the 1980s, and announced exclusively through the Guardian last week that they would return for shows on May 14, 16, 17 and 18.

Fans of the four-piece have snapped up tickets for all four nights.

Those lucky enough to secure their place have done so through an innovative ticketing app, meaning they can access the shows through a unique, non-transferable code sent directly to their phones.

In a string of tweets keeping fans posted through the morning, frontman Tim Burgess said: "Thanks to everyone who bought tickets for our Northwich gigs.

"Sorry if you missed out. All the tickets are with fans, no touts. We worked hard to make that happen. Thanks as ever for all your support.

"If you can’t get tickets for the Northwich shows, add yourself to the waiting list. Most are in ‘baskets’ etc but not all will be bought.

"Demand is crazy high but lots of folks after tickets."

Tim also called out potential touts on Twitter, saying that anyone caught attempting to sell tickets at a higher price would have them taken off them and passed down the queue.

The band will also be welcoming 50 fans to their soundcheck ahead of the Friday night gig, which will itself be streamed live.