DIE-HARD Daniel O'Donnell fans have set up camp outside King George's Hall, Blackburn - four days before tickets for the Irish crooner's next concerts go on sale.

Beverley Rutter from Oldham, Betty Turner from Halifax and Elaine Dymond from Barnsley took their sleeping bags and flasks to Northgate on Tuesday to ensure front row seats at the two shows in October. Tickets, priced £15.50, do not go on sale until 10am on Saturday.

The three women met when queuing for tickets at other venues and have all met their hero several times. The queue is expected to grow over the next couple of days.

Beverley, 35, was first in the queue, accompanied by her partner Ian Robertson - who will not be going to the show. She said: "I've been a fan of Daniel for nine or 10 years. He has a nice personality and a lovely voice. He makes you feel very special."

Betty, 50, has lost count of the number of times she has seen Daniel in concert.

"He is just a lovely man and he has a wonderful voice," she said.

"I've queued for tickets many times. The longest was at Birmingham when I queued from Tuesday to Saturday. I think Friday night will be the worst here, with everyone coming out of the nightclubs."

Geoff Peake, manager of King George's Hall, said: "It always happens with Daniel O'Donnell. We have grown to expect it.

"You might expect a lot of kids waiting outside if we had a band on but what is unusual about this is that it is a mature audience."

"It is an amazing phenomenon but it is an indication of how loyal his fans are. And if you are lucky enough to get Daniel O'Donnell at your venue, you know it will sell out."

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