SOUTH COAST twin sisters Ward Thomas have made history with a first number one album by a UK country artist.

Catherine and Lizzy, aged 22, have seen their major label debut Cartwheels, out now on Sony/ WTW, shoot to the top of the charts on its recent release earlier this month.

The non-identical twins went to Nashville to perfect their blend of country and pop, a move which seems to have paid off.

They told the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “We are absolutely thrilled to be number one in the album chart. “A huge thank you to everyone who has bought it and for all the support that has helped us get there. “We are incredibly excited and proud to be part of this first for country music. Today is a dream come true!”

Cartwheels already boasts two stand out singles: Carry You Home and Guilty Flowers, a catchy ballad which is receiving regular airings on Radio 2.

Critics have compared their sound favourably to that of one of their major inspirations, Taylor Swift.

The twins write songs that reflect what it’s like to be a young woman in 2016 and wrap their beautiful harmonies around those heartfelt sentiments.

Former Hampshire convent schoolgirls, Lizzy and Catherine have been tipped as the unlikely bright new stars of country music – both in the UK and in Nashville – for the past few years. The late Terry Wogan was also a fan, playing songs from their 2014 debut album, From Where We Stand, on his BBC Radio 2 show.

Locally you may have seen the girls performing at Camp Bestival in Lulworth over the summer.

Their 16-date UK tour includes at stop at Southampton’s Engine Rooms on October 21.