Devoted fans join queue for Daniel.

Byline: By GREG O'KEEFFE

FOR once, this is a line of camped-out queuers in Liverpool that isn't waiting for the latest celebrity fashion launch.

In recent weeks the ECHO revealed how fashionistas queued outside a city supermarket for a new celebrity bag, and spent the night in Church Street awaiting the unveiling of the Kate Moss collection at Topshop.

But these hardy campers were only interested in getting their hands on tickets to the Daniel O'Donnell concert.

Eleven of his biggest admirers queued for 48 hours outside Liverpool's Philharmonic hall to buy tickets to see their Irish idol.

The women, from Kirkdale, Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and even Worcestershire, braved the cold and rain to make sure they were first in queue for the box office opening at 10am today.

County Donegal-born singing star O'Donnell will perform at the Philharmonic on September 28 and 29 and his concerts regularly sell out on the first day of sale.

Angie Kennedy, from Kirkdale, had waited with her 71-year-old mum Maureen since Thursday morning. The Fazakerley hospital clerical officer said: "We try and watch Daniel whenever we can and we go on holiday to his hometown in Ireland every year.

"There's usually no problem braving the weather, although I've just sent my mum home because it was very cold this morning.

"We lost my dad 18 years ago and watching Daniel O'Donnell is the only thing that gets my mum out these days."

Mother-of-one Gill Westergren, 49, from Wigan, wants to see Daniel at every showon his current tour.

Speaking from the comfort of her sleeping bag she said: "We managed to get some sleep last night, although a few snores kept me awake. I know all the ladies in this group from being in Daniel's fan club and from going to his shows together and queuing over the years.

"Daniel knows us all by name and always says hello. His personality is what sets him apart."

For tickets, and you'll have to be quick, call 0151 709 3789 or go to www.liverpoolphil.com

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DANNY JOY: Daniel O'Donnell fans queue for tickets outside the Philharmonic Hall tk110507c