Hundreds of Gareth Gates homecoming T-shirts have been snapped up by fans to wear at the star's big concert in Bradford this weekend.

The limited edition T-shirts, which bear the Bradford 2008 logo, have been made especially for the event which takes place in Centenary Square on Sunday afternoon.

Farzana Khan, of Bradford's Capital of Culture team, said demand had soared.

"We have sold more than 500 of them so far," she said. "We are having some more made. Everyone wants to show their support for Gareth."

Gareth's concert in Centenary Square, which was originally scheduled to start at 4pm, will now start at 5pm. A Bradford Council spokesman said the fun would start with a roadshow by Pulse Radio in the square at noon. Other entertainment on stage, which will include local acts, is expected to start at 4pm and Gareth is due on stage at about 5pm.

As well as his two Number One hits, Unchained Melody and Any One Of Us (Stupid Mistake), the pop sensation will be treating the Bradford audience to a hot exclusive of a song dedicated to Bradford which he will sing with his sister Nicola. After his performance, which is expected to last for about half an hour, he will be led into City Hall by Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Richard Wightman for a formal civic ceremony.

The Gareth Homecoming T-shirts are available through the Telegraph & Argus (see coupon) or from Bradford Tourist Information Centre in Centenary Square.