Bradford's brightest star brought joy to more than 15,000 screaming fans as he serenaded them during a free mini concert in his home town.

For the first time since he won national acclaim on Pop Idol and went on to score two Number One hits, the East Bowling teenager came home to thank his loyal following in the city - and the sun came out to welcome him.

Council chiefs suggested 20,000 people turned out to see the teenager, while police put the numbers at nearer 15,000.

But some fans were so overwhelmed by the short Sunday concert, they collapsed and fainted in the hysteria.

But for the vast majority of fans it was a fantastic day - with some getting a prime spot as early as 6.30am.

Wearing a checked white suit, Gareth - who was given a civic reception from the City after his 20 minute performance - was overcome with the fantastic reception he received from his home crowd.

This was the star who had turned down an invitation to perform at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony to be in Bradford.

He admitted to being nervous walking out on the stage but was touched by the reception he received. "It was amazing," he said. "I am so happy to be here.

"I love my Bradford. It's great to be home. I'm thanking everyone for their support. I'm really proud to be so involved with the city's campaign to become Capital of Culture. I'm determined to put the city on the map and get Bradford known for all the right reasons."

Centenary Square was full to its capacity of 10,000, with thousands of other fans swarming around Sunbridge Road in an attempt to catch a glimpse of their hero during his 20 minutes on stage.

They climbed trees, lampposts, and even traffic lights to try to spot the star.

The Telegraph & Argus's poster of Gareth was waved by many fans, while other youngsters made their own fitting tributes to him. One simply read: "I love you Gareth."

Gareth had been supported by a plethora of acts, including sister Nicola who belted out several ballads and Shipley Pop Idol contestant Danny Tetley who got the crowd waving their hands above their heads as he blasted out I Am What I Am.

Pounding rain in the early afternoon had left many of the crowd damp and cold, but as soon as Gareth took to the Centenary Square stage - just as the last sounds of the 5pm gongs at the City Hall clock faded away - the sun shone, flags waved and the crowd screamed hysterically.

The free homecoming event was organised by Bradford Council events staff and the Capital of Culture team.

Gareth wowed the crowd with his first hit Unchained Melody and then went on to sing the classic Mac the Knife and the audience went wild as Gareth undid his shirt.

And then, with sister Nicola at his side, Gareth took to the piano to play his very own tribute to Bradford.

With the sun peeping out from behind grey clouds, the 18-year-old wrapped up with his number one hit Anyone of Us (Stupid Mistake).

After his performance Gareth went into City Hall where he was honoured by city leaders.

He signed the Lord Mayor of Bradford's book and he and his family enjoyed a civic reception attended by around 200 invited guests, including Council leader Margaret Eaton, Bradford MPs, and sponsors of the event.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Richard Wightman formally welcomed Gareth and his family and gave them gifts on behalf of the district.

Coun Wightman said: "Gareth's homecoming is a memorable day for Bradford and its people.

"The genuine support he has for his hometown has given everyone a boost. This reception is our way of honouring his amazing national success and saying thank you for what he has done for Bradford."

Gareth's mum Wendy, who watched the show in the crowd, was wowed by the reception her children received.

"I can't put into words how I feel," she said. "As I was driving along, I could see all the crowds and was amazed. Gareth is overjoyed to be back in Bradford and he will have been touched with all this support.

"He is just really glad to be back on Bradford soil and he would like to do more concerts in the city. I am so proud of him and his sister."

But for some fans the excitement was all too much to cope with. Phil Cook, County Assistant Commissioner for Bradford and Calderdale St John Ambulance said: "We had the usual concert injuries. There was a lot of excitement, hysteria and fainting both early on and when Gareth came on stage. There were also a few cuts and bruises and the ambulance took people to hospital for check-ups."

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