Bradford City players today threw their weight behind Gareth Gates in his bid to win the Pop Idol title.

Bantams star Wayne Jacobs, who like Gareth is a keen church-goer, said the City camp was fully behind the East Bowling youngster as he bids for pop superstardom.

And the city's youngest pop hopeful has also won the backing of Bradford's legendary rockers Smokie - as well as the telephone vote of TV presenter Richard Whiteley.

Today Wayne Jacobs told how the City players try to make a special date with the hit programme after playing matches on a Saturday afternoon.

He said: "The programme is on at a difficult time for all the lads, but I know there's a few of us who try our best to catch it and see how Gareth's doing.

"I wish Gareth all the best - his performances have been fantastic and I hope he wins the competition.

"His success is fantastic for the city. It's great to have a good news story associated with Bradford at last, and we are all urging him on to win it."

Meanwhile, Gareth has also won the thumbs-up from Smokie lead singer Mike Craft, who said he was a keen Pop Idol watcher - and was delighted to see the Bradford teenager doing so well.

"We always want the local lads to do well because it is good news for the city," said Mr Craft.

"I think Pop Idol is fantastic entertainment. It is difficult to pass judgment when you are in the business yourself, but all of the last few remaining contestants have been excellent. I think Gareth's got a superb voice and certainly that X factor that they talk about.

He added: "I agreed with the judges last week when they said that if he had released that version of Unchained Melody tomorrow, then it would have been a number one hit. He seems very level-headed and I am sure his family will help to keep his feet on the ground."

Baildon-born TV presenter Richard Whiteley, who lives near Ilkley, revealed that he is an avid Pop Idol viewer and big fan of Gareth's.

He said: "I think he's an absolutely splendid guy - in my view he's the best of the lot and I really hope he wins it. He's got a wonderful voice and is an exceedingly nice chap with a great future in front of him.

"I'm glued to the screen when Pop Idol comes on, and I always vote for Gareth if I can get through, sometimes twice.''

The Countdown host added: "Gareth's a real credit to Bradford and his success can only help the city's Capital of Culture bid. It's nice to see a young star coming through in Bradford and I just hope he stays in the city when he wins.''