Legendary singer Elkie Brooks wowed Bradfordians last night as she effortlessly rolled back the years - as well as introducing a new edge to her range at a concert in the city.

The atmosphere at Pennington's club was one of polite expectation before the 55-year-old star took to the stage.

Many had travelled from all over the district to come and watch Miss Brooks, who began life as Elaine Bookbinder, on the latest leg of her tour of England.

For housewife Rosita Minott, 60, from Manningham, the concert was a chance to see her idol perform her favourite song, the classic Lilac Wine.

Mrs Minott said: "I've always liked the way Elkie sings, in fact I think her voice has got better with age. I missed her last time so this should be a real treat."

Rosita was bought the ticket by her sales assistant daughter Mandy, 32, who also came along on the night.

She said: "From what I can remember hearing her as a child, I liked her. She sings Billie Holliday songs which I'm particularly fond of."

Farmer Arthur Petty, 56, travelled from Allerton to see the star he fell in love with as a young man.

He said: "I used to like her when she was a singer in the 1970s. Pearl's a Singer was my favourite. It was her voice and her looks that attracted me to her."

Clerk Carole Smith, 46, from Undercliffe, bought her ticket with best pal Annette Wood, also 46, from Oxenhope, after missing out on Elkie's previous appearances in Bradford.

Carole said: "I've always wanted to see her. My favourite song is Fool If You Think It's Over."

Civil servant Annette added: "I used to listen to her music in my younger days and I just like her music. Gasoline Alley is my favourite."

And when Elkie took to the stage, her distinctive, bluesy sound had a treat in store with the introduction of a new edge to her range.

Elkie delivered a popular blend of old and new material, combining crowd-pleasing hits with some tracks from her forthcoming album.

As well as the soulful Lilac Wine and Pearl's a Singer, she gave the audience a sneak preview of some new dance-styled tracks - a daring, alternative sound.

And the night was rounded off with a set of crowd-pleasing blues tracks.