Gareth-mania swept through the normally formal business of City Hall yesterday as Bradford's Pop Idol was honoured by civic leaders.

Just minutes after entertaining up to 20,000 people in Centenary Square, Gareth and members of his family joined a civic reception hosted by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman.

The reception was organised to acknowledge Gareth's success and his role in boosting the city's profile and Bradford's Capital of Culture 2008 bid.

The reception was attended by around 200 invited guests, including Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton, other Bradford councillors and MPs, members of the Bradford 2008 team and sponsors of the big day.

After signing the Lord Mayor's book, Gareth signed autographs and posed for photographs with guests.

"I love my Bradford," he said. "It's great to be home and to thank everyone for their support over the last nine months. Everyone has been fantastic. It was great being up there in my home town. I'm really proud to be involved with the city's campaign to be Capital of Culture and put our city on the map."

Gareth's sister, Nicola, 16, chatted to guests and happily signed autographs. "It's been a great day," she said. "It was fantastic being up there in front of so many people. Both Gareth and I were really excited.

"The crowd went wild. I couldn't believe it when I saw people being pulled out of the crowd. That's what I'm like with Westlife!"

For nine lucky Telegraph & Argus readers, the civic event gave them the moment of a lifetime. After the concert the winners of our competition to attend Gareth's civic ceremony - all girls, aged from eight to 16 - walked into City Hall like VIPs and up the grand staircase to meet their hero.

Nervously waiting for him in the corridor, clutching CDs and posters for him to sign, they almost missed the man himself as he was whisked past by an entourage to sign the Lord Mayor's book.

"That was him!" said Jennifer Cannar, 15, barely able to wait until he was free to sign autographs.

Then, after an agonising ten-minute wait, the doors to a side room opened and the girls were led, blinking at the flashbulbs, to the man in the white suit.

Taking gifts of a rose, cards and pictures from some of the girls, Gareth grinned shyly and said: "Thank you". Then he put his arms around them for photographs and signed a range of items for them, from posters to a cushion with his face emblazoned across it.

"I'm in a dream," said Laurel Raynor, 15, of Shipley. "And I don't want to wake up. He signed my CD and a book. He looked even nicer close up than he is on TV."

For Kayleigh Murphy, 16, a student at Bradford Cathedral College, it wasn't the first time she had seen her hero up close.

"He played at our school last year," she said. "But meeting him like this was fantastic. I'll never forget it. I can't wait to tell people,"

Emily Sutcliffe, 11, of Skipton was clutching a CD which Gareth had signed. "I told him my name and he said "hello". It didn't feel real. I can't believe I've met him," she said.

The girls enjoyed more VIP treatment when they were led into the banqueting suite for a buffet and drinks. Then applause rippled through the room as Gareth walked in, followed by his family and the Lord Mayor. Gareth was greeted with a huge hug from an old school friend, before making his way to the buffet table for some well-earned refreshment.

Coun Wightman formally welcomed Gareth and his family and told his parents Paul and Wendy Gates: "You must be very proud to have such gifted children."

The Lord Mayor presented Gareth with a pen set, engraved with a Bradford Council motif. He presented Gareth's sister Nicola and their parents with a rose bowl.

Coun Wightman was clearly delighted at welcoming Bradford's favourite son back to the city.

"Young people respond to Gareth in a remarkable way," he said.

"He's a wonderful role model and a great ambassador for our city and our Capital of Culture bid. He shows that culture covers a wide spectrum and that is something young people are inspired by."

And how did the Lord Mayor feel walking out on stage to a pop star's reception?

"It was wonderful to see Centenary Square so full. A huge number of young people turned out very early this morning and they've given Gareth a fantastic reception. All credit to them.

"Gareth's homecoming is a memorable day for Bradford and its people. The genuine support he has had for his home town has given everyone a boost.

"The civic reception is our way of honouring his amazing national success and saying thank you for what he has done for Bradford."

Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "Gareth is a wonderful ambassador for Bradford and its young people and today we have seen how much he is adored by everyone."

Bradford's Capital of Culture bid director Paul Brookes agreed

"Gareth is a wonderful ambassador for the Capital of Culture bid and was the star of the show at the London launch in March. His support shows that celebrating culture embraces everyone," he said.

Labour leader Ian Greenwood said: "Gareth's stardom and pride in his hometown makes him a great role model for young people."

Liberal Democrat leader Jeanette Sunderland said: "Today is a special day for Bradford and a wonderful chance for people to welcome Gareth home. He is putting Bradford on the map and encouraging young people to get involved and feel proud of where they are from."

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