One Direction's Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson have paid tribute to fans on the band's sixth anniversary.

One Direction's official account shared a video of Louis, 24, in which he said: "I just wanted to film a little message to say thank you, because you guys are incredible.

"Your continued support is remarkable really. And every single one of you had a hand in changing our lives and I hope you're as proud as we are."

Harry, 22, tweeted: "Six years. I have no idea how to say thank you for all your support. For everything you are, and everything you've done. Thank you. H (sic)."

Louis' mother, Johannah Deakin, shared the first ever picture she took of the boyband - which originally also featured Zayn Malik, 23 - and tweeted: "6 beautiful years. Thank you to all you lovely people that have been just amazing (sic)."

And Harry's mother, Anne Twist, appeared to rubbish claims that One Direction will not get back together after their current hiatus, with a tweet that hinted there is more to come.

She wrote: "@onedirection Huge well done on everything you have achieved so far! (sic)."

Six years ago Harry, Louis, Niall, Liam and Zayn all auditioned for the UK 'X Factor' as solo artists.

However, after they were unsuccessful, Simon Cowell put them together to form a boyband and they went on to top the charts all over the world.

Zayn quit the band in March 2015 to become a solo artist and earlier this year the group went on an indefinite hiatus.

Liam has signed a solo deal with Capitol UK, while Harry - who is filming Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' - and Niall have reportedly signed deals with Columbia and One Direction's label Syco, respectively.

Louis is believed to be planning to focus on his record label and TV work during the break, as well as spending time with his son Freddie, who was born in January.