As far as hero's welcomes go, they don't come much bigger than this.

After nationwide sell-out tours, international video shoots and a couple of number one singles, Bradford's Wonder Boy returned to his roots.

Three hours before he stepped on to the stage at Myrtle Park, Bingley, yesterday the traders selling Gareth flags to a growing tide of revellers must have been rubbing their hands with glee.

And as the atmosphere approached boiling point under a blazing afternoon sun, the mere mention of the 'G word' from the booming speakers sent more than 27,500 music lovers into a frenzy at the sell-out Pulse Party in the Park which was jointly organised with Bradford Council.

Smells of ice cream and sun cream mingled among a sea of smiling faces in front of the specially-assembled giant stage.

The adoring fans had quite a wait for their very own Pop Idol but they had plenty to amuse them in the meantime.

Darius, another veteran of the TV talent show, received an almighty roar as he stepped out to perform his number one single Colour Blind.

Afterwards he said: "It was absolutely awesome out there.

"The atmosphere was totally amazing. Yorkshire people are renowned for their warmth and they certainly displayed that here.

He added: "It was a year to the week between my first audition at Popstars and my single going to number one. It has been an incredible 12 months and to perform to crowds like this just tops the whole thing off."

Teen sensations Blazin Squad - who had topped the charts at the outset of the afternoon - burst out with their all-action performance of Crossroads.

Flava, one of the ten-man collection, said : "The fans were electric today - totally wicked.

"I think that kind of support gives all the bands a big boost and we gave one of the best performances we have ever done."

And then on stepped Atomic Kitten, the group which robbed them of their number one slot yesterday.

"Get your hands in the air Bradford. We want to see you dance!," yelled Jenny.

The crowd turned up the heat another notch and gladly obliged.

But despite an array of chart-topping stars, there was one singer the crowd really wanted to hear.

As Gareth's blacked-out people carrier swept into the back stage area, there was even a buzz of excitement among the other performers - they knew that this was going to be his day.

And when the Spikey-Haired One finally grabbed the microphone and leapt out on to the stage, pure pandemonium broke out across Myrtle Park.

At the end of a blazing performance, Gareth told the T&A: "It doesn't matter where I go, this is always my home and it is always very special for me to sing here.

"These people have supported me from the start and they are absolutely brilliant.

"You don't get better fans than this."

"Performing today is one way that I can thank them for their support."

One disappointment for the fans was the non-appearance of Hear'say, who had to cancel at the last minute because of a family bereavement for band member Noel.

8-page supplement in Monday's Telegraph & Argus

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