A 12-YEAR-OLD Kym Marsh fan who entered a contest six times to meet her idol finally got to see her play live... at her mum's work.

Charlotte McVittie, 12, won a competition to get pop star Kym to play her hits Cry and Come on Over at the Out of School Experience in Dukes Brow, Blackburn.

And the Wigan-born star, married to former EastEnders actor Jack Ryder, used the opportunity to send a special good luck message to former Popstars colleagues Liberty X, who are playing at the Arts in the Park festival in Blackburn tomorrow.

More than 80 children gathered to see Kym perform her singles live with only a guitar, played by Julian Emery, for accompaniment.

Charlotte, from Blackburn and a pupil at Westholme school, was too excited to speak to Kym and said: "I e-mailed six times to get her to come here because I've been a massive fan ever since she was in Hear'Say. I just can't stop smiling."

Her mum Jacqui, 36, who runs the Out of School Experience, a private after-school club, said: "When they rang me, I thought it was part of a wind-up. The children were really excited and a lot of them were let out of school early to be here."

Kym, who quit Hear'Say amid rumours of behind-the-scenes rows shortly before the band collapsed, said: "In this country, certainly, when someone looks to be on the back foot everyone gets behind them.

"It's very different to be in a place like this, as I'm used to big crowds, but it's great that the children are so excited about seeing me.

"It's more nerve-racking singing in a small venue,where you can see all the faces. I'm having a great day in Blackburn.

"It's good being back in the North, I'm loving it because the people are much nicer and it's generally much better. Plus I get to catch up with all my family and friends.

"I'm much happier now. I just think when I was part of the band it wasn't me and it was all very much like acting.

"When I moved away I was allowed to wear what I wanted and look how I wanted.

"I'm still in touch with members of Liberty X and I wish them good luck playing in Blackburn. I keep an eye on their progress and Jess is one of my best friends."

Kym's visit was arranged by radio station Rock FM.