DIRE Straits fans who remember the rock band's first gig in Deptford are being invited to come to the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the group.

The Performing Rights Society, which champions the nation’s songwriters, composers and music publishers, announced last week that the site on the Crossfield Estate in Deptford Church Street, will have a plaque unveiled there on Thursday at 11.30am.

Band members Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers shared a council flat on the estate and performed their first ever gig there in 1977.

Mark and David will both attend the ceremony which kicks off at 11.15am.

Mark said: "I'm honoured and delighted that the birthplace of Dire Straits should be marked in this way in Deptford as part of London's history."

While John Illsley added: “It’s a real privilege to return under such positive circumstances to the place where Dire Straits were conceived and did their first gig.”

The event is part of the organisation's Heritage Award scheme which celebrates the first performances of the UK’s leading bands.

Dire Straits have sold more than 120 million albums and won three BRIT awards, four Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music awards.

Anyone who was present at the first gig and is interested in attending the ceremony or has photos of the performance should contact heritageplaque@prsformusic.com and will receive an official invite.