Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 2:48pm

MacDonald Brothers - Volunteer Hall, Galashiels

THEY'VE performed to a television audience of millions and been on the receiving end of pop mogul Simon Cowell's infamously sharp tongue.

But former X-Factor stars The MacDonald Brothers said the children of Melrose Primary could give the show's judges a run for their money.

The Scottish duo were in the region on Monday, when they visited the school with a surprise announcement for the staff and children.

Senior pupils had prepared a special song for the Ayrshire pair - Craig, 23, and 22 year-old Brian - as part of the Border Telegraph's competition to find a school choir to perform with them onstage at their concert in Galashiels.

And the children wowed the brothers with their rendition of Stephen Fischbacher's You Are A Star, even pausing to teach the Ayrshire twosome some of their dance moves.

It was the first time the MacDonald Brothers, who finished fourth in the third series of the X Factor, had visited the central Borders and, despite heavy rain, the siblings were excited to be visiting the school.

Brian told the Border Telegraph: "It's great to be here. We've never had kids performing on stage with us before, but this concert is all about celebrating Christmas and children are such a big part of that, so we're really looking forward to them joining us for the gig next month."

After their 'audition', the pupils got the chance to turn the tables on the brothers and put them back into the spotlight with a question and answer session.

And the boys faced some tough questioning from the young audience, who wanted to know everything from their opinion on this year's X Factor finalists to whether they had their own limo.

"They were scarier than the X Factor judges!" Craig joked, "They asked some great questions, and they're singing was fantastic. I think all of the children are up for doing it so it'll be really good on the night - if we can fit them all on the stage, that is! They've got some good choreography too so I think we'll have to get ourselves in gear!

The children now have only a couple of weeks to practise for the gig, which will take place in the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Thursday (December 3).

And younger brother Brian highlighted the benefits of getting involved in music as a youngster.

He added: "For performing, it's really important to get as much experience as you can from a young age. We started playing in accordian clubs and performing to audiences at seven years old, and I think it helps you get used to a crowd and handle the nerves better.

"If we hadn't done that at a young age we wouldn't be able to do what we did now. The only advice I would give the kids ahead of the show is to relax and enjoy it. That's what it's all about."

For tickets to the MacDonald Brother's Christmas Show in Galashiels next month, log onto www.themacdonaldbros.com or call 01750 725480.