IRISH crooner Daniel O'Donnell serenaded crowds at Much Hoole country fair near Preston this week.

The Emerald Isle heart-throb drew-in thousands of people from across the North West on Monday, who flocked to see the singer perform hits like the Green, Green, Grass of Home.

As well as the talented, cult singer, the fair featured stalls, games, refreshments and fairground rides.

But as soon as Daniel was driven into Goose Green Farm and stepped out onto the stage with his guitarist, the rest of the fair emptied as people made a beeline for the singer.

Retired Mavis Coulton, from Hesketh Bank, near Southport, was in the audience. She had plenty of praise for the star.

Mavis said: "He is a lovely man. It's the first time I've had the chance to see him. He has a great way with the crowd and talks to everybody.

"You feel like you really get to know him."

Stepping onto the stage, Daniel said to the waiting crowd: "I'm sorry but I am a bit hoarse at the moment, so I need you to sing louder than me!

"I've only brought one member of my backing band -- John, the guitarist.

"He has just become a father of twins, and needs the money more than the rest!"

The star's visit to Much Hoole was part of a promise made to Geoff Whalley, the chairman of the fair. Around ten years ago Geoff and his wife got to know Daniel at a charity show.

Geoff continued: "Daniel invited us for a drink after a show and we have been firm friends ever since. This is a real coup for the show, and it was a really good do.

"More than 7,000 people came, which is much more than normally turn up.

"Daniel sang more than 20 songs, including one of his most famous hits, Green, Green, Grass of Home.

"Daniel is really nice, and joined in with the audience a lot, and we even got on National TV that night.

"Some people from the BBC had been there, and it went on the news."