Bradford youngsters have given a thumbs-up to the new single by the city's pop sensation Gareth Gates.

The 18-year-old star, who wowed around 15,000 people at Centenary Square last week, has teamed up with his fellow Pop Idol Will Young to record a new disc tipped to match the chart-topping success of his first two singles.

The duo's version of the Beatles hit, The Long and Winding Road, will be released on Monday, September 23, shortly before they start a UK tour.

Gareth said: "I cannot wait to perform the duet with Will on tour. I hope the fans enjoy it. We are both really pleased with it."

Will hinted that this could be the last time the friendly rivals will perform together. He said: "After this, both Gareth and I will move on and take the different musical routes we both wish to follow."

The new disc will also include Gareth's rendition of Elvis Presley's hit Suspicious Minds, chosen for the soundtrack of Disney animation Lilo and Stitch.

Youngsters at the Thorpe Edge Play Scheme, part of the Springfield Centre, were among the first to hear the songs, courtesy of the Telegraph & Argus. and voted them an instant hit.