WHEN Rachael Waite's dream to see pop sensations Take That turned sour all she could do was pray.

The York College student, of Windmill Rise, Holgate, won tickets to see the band at Newcastle through a text message competition run by Channel Four programme Popworld, but they failed to turn up.

In desperation, the 17-year-old and her best friend, Bee Boon, travelled to the stadium on the night of the show to see if they had been put on the guest list, but to no avail.

Rachael said she made dozens of frantic phone calls to the Popworld offices, but got no response despite leaving angry messages.

But the girls' dreams of seeing Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark perform have now come true - thanks to The Press.

We contacted Popworld on Rachael's behalf to discover what had gone wrong, and they have apologised and given them complimentary tickets to the band's gig at Birmingham. They have also paid for their travel and a hotel for the night. "Without The Press's help I don't think we would ever have got to see them," said Rachael.

"I was absolutely gutted when the tickets didn't arrive and really angry. It was an amazing feeling to win the competition, but then it just turned into a nightmare.

"Take That are a legendary band who I grew up with. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them."

Bee, 17, of Acomb, who is also a student at York College, said: "We were heartbroken when the tickets didn't come. I'm so excited that we are going now - it's even better. It would just top it all off if we got to meet the band."

Take That reformed for the tour to mark the ten years since they split up and it sold out within six hours. Rumours abound that estranged fifth member Robbie Williams will join the group for one of the gigs.

The band's hits include Pray, Never Forget, Could It Be Magic? and Back For Good.

A spokesman for Popworld said: "We apologise unreservedly for the mistake and are really pleased that it has been resolved. We hope that Rachael enjoys the concert."

Updated: 09:03 Saturday, April 29, 2006