Prize winners cop treat from Police...

Police fan Jodie Andrew thought she'd be stuck on the sidelines when she turned up to watch her heroes do a sound check at Auckland's Western Springs last night.

But the 32-year-old, who won the chance to meet the legendary British band through a radio competition, was soon having a right old Sting-along with them.

Famous frontman Sting was rehearsing on stage with fellow band members Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland when he invited Jodie, mum Carolynne and four other prizewinners to join in.

"I thought you just looked from the front, but Sting invited us on stage," Jodie told Sunday News. "He waved us up and asked if any of us could sing.

"I got up there and had a sing-a-long and had a good dance around the stage."

Jodie won the passes to the sound check and concert from classic rock station Radio Hauraki.

She took mum Carolynne along as an early birthday treat and the pair ended up helping Sting belt out two Police classics 'De Do Do Do De Da Da Da' and 'Don't Stand So Close To Me'.

And the 56-year-old star charmed them with his down-to-earth attitude and friendliness.

"He's a real grounded, earthy guy. He's just real casual," Jodie said.

Wellsford girl Jodie also revealed how Sting complimented her on her singing and wished Carolynne "Happy Birthday".

"It was such an amazing experience, it's kind of a little overwhelming," Jodie added.

Last night's concert, which followed Thursday's gig in Wellington, came 28 years after The Police last rocked New Zealand.

The band split 24 years ago but reformed a year ago for another world tour making at least $277 million so far.

The Wellington show kicked off the Australasian leg of the tour and last night thousands of fans flocked to Western Springs.

Hip-hop star Fergie provided a barnstorming opening.

And the former Black Eyed Peas songstress won over fans by waving around a packet of her favourite Kiwi treat pineapple lumps.

She also admitted: "I've decided I'm going to come back to New Zealand and go fishing. I've tasted some mighty fine fish here ... and I'm a fisherman!"

But Sting, sporting a Greenstone necklace, had a raunchier view of New Zealand when he took to the stage.

"I always like coming here in the summer ... everybody looks as if they have just had sex. Or is it about to have sex?"

© The Sunday News by Tammy Buckley

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